November is National Caregiver Month

Webster dictionary defines caregiver as “a person who provides direct care. (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill)” Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! Caregiving is one of the most difficult acts that one person can do for another. (It is also one of the most rewarding acts that you will ever complete!)
My 98 year old grandmother passed away a couple years ago. I remember growing up; she was always there to kiss the boo-boos or clean us up before our folks got home and found out just how dirty we had gotten. She was our caregiver. There were days that she cared for all of us cousins at once and never batted an eye. During the latter stages of her life, as she became more fragile and dependent, she needed us. I get it. I’m a nurse and taking care of someone is easy for me, correct? Nope, I am her granddaughter and the only part that was easy was loving her.
I remember the first time they called to say she fell. I remember the first time helping her bathe. I remember the first time helping clean her up after an accident. I remember the first time feeding her. She became very forgetful and the first time she didn’t know my name…well, I cried all the way home. I remember the last time holding her hand. I remember.
Is it easy? No. Is it heartbreaking? Sometimes. Is it something we all will do at one time or another? Probably. Would I do it all again? You bet!
So caregivers, we applaud you! We honor you! We thank you! We recognize you! We remember you! We want to help you…please give us a call before you have “gone as far as you can”, “given up a day off”, “done all that you can do”, or “just had enough”. Call our office today and ask about how we can help care for your loved ones. Let us help you to help them.
I would like to leave you today with some hints, tips, whatever you want to call these points. Maybe, just maybe…they will remind you that WE REMEMBER!
~ Laugh about something every day. It’s okay to find the humor. It’s okay to laugh through the tears. It’s okay!
~ Take care of yourself physically.
~ Eat a well-balanced diet.
~ Talk with someone every day.
~ Let family and friends help.
~ Give yourself permission to have a good cry. Tears aren’t a weakness, they reduce tension.
~ Exercise. A brisk walk counts.
~ Get adequate rest.

https://caregiver.com/articles/twenty-ways-to-care-for-caregivers/

Blog by Tonya Payne

Recipe of the month:

Apple Pumpkin Bisque

Applesauce imparts a hint of sweetness to this silky-smooth, speedy pumpkin soup. It’s so flavorful that no one will suspect it’s also sky-high in vitamin A, with respectable amounts of fiber and even a boost of calcium (evaporated milk provides the richness of heavy cream without the fat). If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use about ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a generous pinch or two each of ground ginger and ground nutmeg.
Makes 4 servings
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup evaporated skimmed milk
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine the broth, pumpkin, and applesauce in a medium saucepan. Heat until the mixture just begins to boil, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and spices and heat to serving temperature. Ladle into 4 bowls.

#November #eldercare #help #caregiver #caregiverassistance #caregivermonth