|
Caregivers, we thank you for the gift of yourself that you give every day. This month's Compass is for you - may your holidays be merry and bright!
|
|
The Holidays: Caregivers' Tips & Perspectives
From a Nashville Mom...
I am a caregiver. I don’t like to think of myself as a caregiver. Instead, I think of myself as the mom of a child with severe disabilities. In reality, he is about to graduate from high school, and I am a single mom who works full time, is often tired, generally has too much on her plate, and who values time more than others seem to value it. The holidays are particularly awkward for my small (immediate) family of two. Let me tell you what seems to work for us, a few simple suggestions that may make it easier for other families like mine: READ More for holiday tips >>
From a Nashville Daughter...
The bond between a mother and her child is unexplainable. My mom always told me growing up that she would do anything and everything for me, no matter what. Thankfully she always kept her promise. Now, years later, I am the one telling her that I would do anything and everything for her, because I am now not only her daughter, but also her caregiver. When my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis I had no idea what the future held. Fifteen years have passed, and we still feel just as confused and shocked as the day we found out. Navigating my mother’s illness from childhood through adulthood has flipped my world upside down, and I am still working every day to be the best caregiver I can be for her. As many of us know, being a caregiver is no easy job- countless stressful moments that can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. With the Holidays upon us, it can sometimes seem more stressful than fun. It is imperative to know the importance of self-care and how it can be your saving grace in times of need. READ MORE for holiday tips from this daughter >>
|
|
|
|
Snapshot of a Caregiver
When we talk about “caregivers,” just who are we referring to? In the medical community, a caregiver is generally defined as anyone who provides emotional or physical support to anyone else or assists with activities of daily living, and the position can be paid or unpaid. Approximately 25% of the adult population of the United States are currently caregivers. Above, the “Profile of an Average Caregiver” in the United States shows that: the majority of caregivers are women, age 45-49, and most are also working full-time in addition to being the primary caregiver for a loved. Often members of what is referred to as the “Sandwich” generation, because they find themselves in the middle of caring for both their own children and their parents, caregivers today run a high risk for burn out from being overextended and having inadequate support themselves. READ MORE >>
|
|
|
Call Pathfinder!
By: Karen Mevis
 CALLER: Hello. I am really worried about an older couple I work with. They are in their 70s. She is on oxygen and uses a walker. He is on a lot of medication and has a number of medical issues. They are fragile, but both want to stay living at home. After the last big wind storm, a branch came down and damaged their roof. They got an estimate or two, but told me they can’t afford to fix the problem. He just had a big expense with replacing their old HVAC unit a few months ago. He didn’t think it would heat through the winter because of many problems and repairs in recent years. A neighbor and I got the big branch and the other debris off the roof, but from inside, we can see a dark place on the ceiling now where water must be leaking in. Is there any way to get them help paying for the repairs they need? READ MORE for Pathfinder's response! |
|
|
|
|
|
