Tag Archives: family caregivers

New Beginnings as We Head Into Summer

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Summer officially began this week. So far in the Ozarks we’ve had a great spring, perhaps more rain at one time that we wished but it’s worth it when we see the clear streams flowing briskly. Today I watched fishermen line the banks of a creek wanting to catch ‘the big one’.

For some of us, summer holiday means change in our routine, new beginnings. Family caregivers may face additional stress as they are faced with more mouths to feed, more laundry, less time for themselves. In another family, school out could mean more help at home, maybe a vacation.

Speaking of summer and new beginnings, at the end of this article I will let you know one way my summer got off to a good start. You won’t want to miss it, but first I have some fun ideas just for you.

I want to help you celebrate the wonders of summer, even with a busy schedule and overwhelming responsibilities.  You’ve heard me say this before, take a few minutes for yourself-by yourself to consider your wants and needs.

I want to warn you ahead of time; you will probably think this is too simple or even silly and could not be any value to your hectic lifestyle. I challenge you to indulge me this one time and try it, please.

1. Determine one thing that would help your days and weeks go smoother; just one thing. What is it that takes you away for a brief respite? Settle on one thing.

2. Plan a specific time to do that one thing at least one hour of each week. Schedule it and keep that schedule as much as possible.

3. Call this time–even one hour–your vacation. Plan for it, celebrate it and look forward to the next week for another ‘vacation’.

 These fun vacation ideas should get you thinking about what you can do for one hour or more if you a week.

1. Do you have a friend or relative that you keep meaning to call but never get around to it? Why not make that your destination for next week. During the week as he or she comes to mind, jot down thoughts about them, perhaps questions you’d like to ask or things you want to tell them. Find all the positive things you can to jot down and be prepared to have fun with this call. Remember, it’s not an interview, it’s a vacation!

2. Do you have a destination in mind, another state you’d like to visit? Order some brochures from that state and schedule an afternoon for your trip. On vacation day, fix you an appropriate snack and enjoy the scenery as you look through their catalog. There’s no harm in picking out some favorite spots for that someday when you may have the time to actually visit there.

3. Now it’s your turn. Remember that I asked you what your wants and needs were? Choose one here and plan your day, ½ day, or hour. Let me hear from you, please.

Now to how my summer began. It was my honor this week to be interviewed for Author Interviews by Suzanne Lieurance, The Working Writer’s Coach. I think you might enjoy the interview. Simply click this link and be sure to leave a comment. THANKS! http://www.bestauthorinterviews.com/139/susie-kinslow-adams-my-mother-my-child/

Praying for you to have a cool and blessed summer.

Hugs,

Click here for more information about MY MOTHER MY CHILD

Family Caregivers You or Someone You Know

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Often when the word caregiver is mentioned, we think of the elderly. This is especially true when referring to family caregivers. I found the following statistics enlightening:

According to a recent study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Council on Aging (NCA):

• One in three adult caregivers is also raising a child under the age of 18.
• Someone caring for a parent has been doing so for an average of 20 hours a week for four years.
• One in three adult caregivers is helping their family member get dressed or go to the bathroom.
• Nearly two-thirds of adult caregivers take time off during the workday, while 17 percent take a formal leave of absence and 10 percent take early retirement.
• About 70 percent of adult caregivers get help from family members, friends, or neighbors.
• About 40 percent rely on help from paid caregivers.
• Someone caring for a spouse spends more than 30 hours a week directly caring for their loved one and is less likely to get help from relatives or friends.

Are you caring for someone in your home, or in theirs? If not, you probably know someone who is. Have you considered how you might be of help to them?

We know the most important thing we can give them is our prayers support and our unconditional love. Often a quick visit and a hug will help a weary soul make it through one more day.

I want to encourage you if you are a family caregiver; you are not alone. You are doing one of the most important jobs there is, caring for those who cannot care for themselves.
I pray you will be surrounded with friends and loved ones who care for you. Also, I hope you will take advantage of helps on my website and other caregiving websites.

If you or someone you know needs an extra lift, I recommend Psalm 23 for Caregivers as a great book to have on hand. There is nothing more refreshing than a look at God’s Word and the realization that He walks with us and loves us as no one else can.

Hugs,

Help and encouragement is also found in MY MOTHER MY CHILD in the store.