November 2013 Newsletter - Heart & Soul of Caregiving

Heart & Soul of Caregiving

Greetings!

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. The mornings are a little cooler, the leaves are turning warm colors and door decorations are hinting that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Besides celebrating the change of season, we want to acknowledge our gratitude for caregivers; especially professional caregivers who most often put their heart & soul into their work.

Frequently, we focus on the family caregiver and their spiritual journey of taking care of someone in their life that they adore or feel obligated to care for under certain circumstances. But now I want to recognize the professional caregiver who goes beyond the call of their job and actually feels a spiritual connection to their passion to help others.

You know who they are. We see them in hospitals, in doctor's offices, in family homes, and in healthcare facilities. They are the professional caregiver who takes care of your family member who is ill, frail or forgetful.

Recently, I spoke at a home care company's annual retreat and was overwhelmed with the commitment and passion these professional caregivers expressed as they told stories of their clients in the most caring and respectful manner. They were honored to be part of this person's life for however long that may be. They weren't attached to the time; they were focused on making a connection with their client and their family members.

Heart and soul doll

This month is our reminder to feel grateful for the caregiver who is not our family member yet becomes an integral part of our family. They are the people who are taking care of someone important to us. Their desire versus their obligation to care for our loved one is evident when they arrive on time, prepare your mother's favorite food, read a sweet story to your disabled child, carefully dress your husband in his comfy clothes again, share an antidote with the family when your father had a moment of clarity that day or just reassured your elderly sister when she felt scared. The list of what professional caregivers do each day to show they care is endless and so valuable. They define their passion by simple words, simple gestures and simple actions. They are truly the heart & soul of caregiving.

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Warmly,

Kim Linder, Certified Senior Advisor

Host of The Caregiver Hour Radio Show

Live 11AM to 12PM EST on Mondays

Clear Channel 1250AM WHNZ

Impact Radio in Tampa (www.whnz.com)

About Senior Holistic Living

Senior Holistic Living is a comforting resource for caregivers who are seeking guidance, encouragement, and more balance in their life. We are a reminder that caregiving does not have to be a mindless duty - that it can, in fact, be a mindful opportunity for the caregiver's own growth.

If you need advice or have unanswered questions, our recommended resources will be both helpful and reassuring. If you yearn to feel more connected to your feelings and thoughts but are not quite sure how to make it happen, allow us to lend a hand. And if you simply seek respite during a time of crisis, we can help you find peace. We'll show you how to create balance and minimize stress so that you can make better and more conscious decisions.

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What People are Saying

"When Kim told me that my husband who I care for can't attend the workshop I panicked. She said, "This time is for you to recharge your mind, body and spirit. If you need your husband to be near you, then have a caregiver sit with him in the next room while you sit with the other attendees in a separate room. I thought about what Kim said and decided to speak to my husband who has mild dementia. I gently told him that I needed to take this workshop series. I was surprised when he said ok, then go if it will make you feel better. I was so relieved. I'm glad I asked for what I needed, trusted that it was going to work out fine and open to receiving his support.

I am happy to say I truly enjoy each workshop. It has brought me balance and a lightness. This is my abundance."

Family Caregiver

Blogging Community

We are launching a blogging community where professional and family caregivers can share their advice, experiences, ideas and inspirations. Would you like to join us?