Continue the conversation on
our discussion board, Community Connections
Listen to two short visits with caregivers in
Cortland NY
More and more people are
in a position of having to provide care for an aging or
chronically ill parent, spouse or child. It isn't a role that
is chosen, but one that is taken on because it is needed. This
program discusses ways to be able to "do it" without burning out
and how to find respite and relief for you, the caregiver. Where do
you turn to for advice and guidance? How can these
organizations help?
Lisa
Kendall has worked with Elders and their care
partners for over 25 years, in settings including home health care,
adult day programs, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Formerly Senior Consultant for Work and Family Services at
Cornell University, Lisa is a medical social worker at the Visiting
Nurse Service of Ithaca & Tompkins County, runs a
Caregiver support group for the Cortland County Area Agency on
Aging, and maintains a small private practice. She holds
advance certification in clinical gerontology, is a trainer
for the Sharing Your Wishes coalition in Tompkins County, and is a
Certified Eden at Home trainer. Lisa is a popular
speaker on aging and Elder care issues at the local,
state, and national level.
Contact info: (607)
351-1313 crossroadscounseling@hotmail.com
Joanne Kays has
been the Program Director for Faith in Action
Volunteers at the Broome
County Council of Churches for the past 8 years.
She is responsible for recruiting and training volunteer
caregivers, who assist frail elderly clients as well as program
fund development. Oversees coordination of activities of over 300
volunteers.
Joanne has recently completed training to teach Powerful Tools for Caregivers.She
represents Broome County Council of Churches as a member of the Aging Futures Partnership. She is a member of
the committee that established Social Connections for Senior Women,
a social support group in Broome County. Joanne is a member of the
Lourdes Parish Nurse Advisory Board. Joanne was a
family caregiver for her mother from 1996 through 1999.
Contact info:(607) 724-9130 ext.
304 jkays@broomecouncil.net
"WSKG is joining with partners during National Family
Caregivers Month to focus on the rewards and challenges associated
with caregiving. Join us on Saturdays at 4:00 PM for
WXXI's Second Opinion for Caregiver's
Series: November 7 -
Alzheimer's Disease: A Caregiver's Journey; November
14 - Kidney Disease: Caring for Someone with a Chronic
Disease; and November 21 - Caregiver
Burnout.
Ten Tips for
Caregivers
-Take good care of yourself. It's not selfishness. It will
help you continue to care for others.
-When people offer to
help, accept the offer. Have a list of specific things others can
do.
-Schedule regular time off.
Respite will recharge your batteries and make you a better
caregiver.
-Seek support from other
caregivers. Join a group, have a telephone buddy, or go on-line.
You are not alone.
-Find out about and use
community services for caregivers. They were created to support
you.
-If other relatives won't help
with hands-on care, suggest other tasks for them to do, such as
errands and home repairs.
-Set limits on what you will do; preserve time and space
for yourself.
-Educate yourself
about your loved one's condition. You will feel more in control if
you know what to expect.
-Watch out for signs of
depression, and don't delay in getting professional help when you
need it.
-Take pride in the important work you are
doing.
Reading
List
Mace, N. L. and Rabins, P. V. (1999). The 36-hour day: A
family guide to caring for persons with Alzheimer disease, related
dementing illnesses, and memory loss in later life.
Schmall, V. L., Cleland, M., and Sturdevant,
M. (2000). The Caregiver Helpbook: Powerful Tools for
Caregiving.
Available for purchase through:
Legacy Caregiver Services
1015 NW 22nd Ave., Portland, OR 97210
Phone: (503) 413-6578
e-mail: caregiver@lhs.org
Strauss, C. (2001).
Talking to Alzheimer's.
Thomas, W. (2004). What are old people
for? How elders will save the world. Acton, MA:
Vanderwyk & Burnham.
