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Wednesday December 5,  2007 - Issue #356

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From The Editor

Gary Barg - Editor-in-chief

Enough Said

I'm going to give over my column this week to Judy, a true Fearless Caregiver with a tremendous holiday solution:

Our big family gatherings have changed over the past several years, since my husband has been disabled and some of our family are living out of state.  We now have a few small gatherings, rather than one big one.  Each family comes to see us at their previously set day and time, or we go to their house, as long as we have help getting Joe in and out of their house, bathroom, etc.  Joe knows that he can nap whenever he needs to and no one will mind.  We just sit and visit a little longer and then pick up where we left off when he has rested.   Most of the visits work out best at our house.  We have a table tree in the corner, instead of a floor tree and very few other decorations.  Joe uses a walker or wheelchair to get around, so I remind visitors to put boots and other belongings against the wall, so the hallway is clear.  We bring a wastebasket into the living room to put paper in when presents are opened, so nothing will clutter the floor. 

Family members understand and help out.  Even little ones will take their toys into a special area so Grandpa won't  trip on them.  Our house is small, but it works.  We sometimes have to cancel our plans and change dates if the weather gets bad (we live in NY) or if Joe isn't feeling well.  Somehow it always works out with little stress.  I try to keep the refreshments festive but easy.  I make almost all of our gifts - hand painted china, homemade fudge and cookies, and other special treats.  If I need to shop, I find I can do most of it through mail order.  I do enjoy a shopping trip with a friend now and then and it's a great break as long as I have an aide at home with Joe.  Happy holidays!

Judy

Couldn't say it better myself.

Share your Holiday Tips and Techniques

 

Take care

Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com


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Feature Article

Caring Gifts for Caregivers

By Cheryl Ellis, Staff Writer 


Nearly any season has its typical gift giving occasions.  From yuletide to birthdays and anniversaries, the need to find an appropriate gift presents itself.. .. ...Continued


Additional Article:
 

Holiday Help: Relieving Caregivers’ Stress

By Cheryl Smith

Who doesn’t feel overwhelmed sometimes by the bustle of the holiday season? Add to that the responsibility of caring for a frail elderly loved one, and burnout is simply a concept waiting to become reality..... ...Continued


 
 

Caregiver Story

Confessions of a Recovering Caregiver

By Daphne Simpkins  


Since my three-year stint as my father’s caregiver I wrestle with socially unacceptable urges to comfort, feed, and water just about anybody. . ...Continued

(Do you have a story? Tell us.)


Caretips

Holiday Stress Assessment for Caregivers

By Michael Plontz   
 

We can feel the stress lurking around the corner.  We may not know what form it will take or how much of it we will have to endure, but we know that it’s out there waiting.  ....Continued


 

Carenotes

I live in a rural area in Northwest CT, USA. I live in an apartment with my partner of 24 years and our doggie. I don't know if anyone can help, but at least I can share my experience.

Pam, my partner, has numerous medical problems: Uncontrolled diabetes, advanced stage liver disease, encepholopathy (causes memory failure), neuropathy, enlarged spleen, anemia...blood transfusions every 2-3 months, renal failure. In the last 4 years she came near to death 3 times and now is left with the need for me to be her caretaker. I am trying to find a support group close by, as I am disabled myself. The two support groups where I live are geared for Alzheimer's and Cancer. I have no source from outside help as her insurance would only cover acute care.

I'm pretty much alone, although my children do contact me a lot and my younger son came to visit over the summer and helped us tremendously. But I could really use some down time once in a while. We are on a very limited income, so massages, get aways, etc. are not possible. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much for listening.

A.


 

Answer This Week's CareNote:
carenotes/2007/index.htm

 

 


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Inside This Issue:

From the Editor
Enough Said
Feature Article
Caring Gifts for Caregivers
 
Caregiver Story
Confessions of a Recovering Caregiver
CareTips
Carenotes


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