I’m giving you an IMPORTANT update, as some of you may have heard, that I’m now sharing my caregiving newsletters with a few other groups, who in turn share it with their clients or other researchers. Specifically, Minnesota Lutheran Social Services shares my newsletters with their counselors, who serve caregivers around the state. The LSS of America office is using it as a resource for other states and their programs. I also send these emails to my Congressional representative and senators through their health policy advisors. They request that I send each of those privately.
I do not send your emails addresses to the above-listed leaders and organizations. I take great care and pride to protect your privacy and confidentiality. I am unaware of any problems from any of the emails I have sent since the spring of 2022, when I started my newsletter with eight people. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or wish to discontinue these newsletters, I totally understand. Please let me know. These two red paragraphs will not be included in the above listed groups’ emails. This is meant to just let you know what is happening and what I’m doing. The last email, #71, was a mess for me. I had so many unsendable emails that said they were too large. It turned out after numerous changes those to you went through. Even after the changes the emails for the politicians wouldn’t send. I’m still wondering why? If it happens again, I might get concerned about what Washington is up to, or what’s going to happen to me. 🤪 The following paragraph will be the other groups’ first one. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Please feel free to reach out anytime. I love to hear from you.
Caregivers, I hope this finds you well. The last newsletter, I realized, might have been a little unorganized and messy. Sometimes I try to put too much stuff in one newsletter, because it’s difficult to leave out articles that relate. Therefore, I may have to do an extra one some months.
Things are moving along with my online grief course. I’m finishing Module 5. When I started, there were seven modules, but apparently, from my test answers, they must think I need three additional modules. There are days I question what I’ve gotten into with this course, but my minister, who I answer to, assures me I’m on the right track. I guess it comes down to how much time I have to spend. I’ll admit that what I have learned has been extremely helpful to me on my grief journey and I have been able to share with a couple of friends.
I’m sorry this newsletter is going to make you work a little more than usual, unfortunately. You are going to have to do more clicking and pasting than usual. I am cognizant of your time and interest. I’m now serving over 50 people. As always, I appreciate your responses. I’m here to serve you and will follow God’s lead.
A. AgingCare.com articles: Please copy and paste in your browser for AgingCare.com. I did try another request to be able to share them directly with you again, but no response from them. They send me an email of four articles every day. The articles I select from AgingCare.com I keep in my file as I have read each one. NOTE: If there is ever an “X” or AC by a link, it means I’m using that link soon and it is from AgingCare.com. I just forgot to take it off before sending the newsletter so it might not open.
Articles
“Just Do Your Best” mean?
Ways to improve Self Esteem in seniors
Are you Feeling Lonely
Assisted Living or Nursing Care.
Balancing Senior’s Sense of Purpose vs. Safety
Differences between male and female caregivers
The Sandwich generation— caring for kids and parents
B. Boosting your interest in technology I have some short clips: I have been copying some short clips of great reminders for caregivers on Facebook. Just a reminder, as I said above, that if you watch too many of these, (META / Facebook) will give you more of these in your reel feeds. That isn’t always so bad, especially as you learn something new, or get a reminder, each time that might just help you. I wish I had these back in the mid-90s when caring for my parents. My mother once asked where Dad was at. My response was, “Don’t you remember Mom, Dad died last week!” I crushed her with my response. I didn’t know about therapeutic fibbing, or living in their reality. I hurt her, and I was deeply hurt for doing it. Below you can click on the blue link. After the link, is a short explanation of what it is about. They are only a couple of minutes. Find one that connects with your situation, and start using it. Save the ones you like and bring them back one-at-a-time every week, or ten days, or month. Just bring them back. They will give you comfort. Eventually, you will see them on your FB feed. Most of them are on dementia, but are helpful for all situations. The first link is from Sam, who is a teacher of caring. “Coffee Break with “Sam”. “How we look at Aging” Join us on www.MoreThanHeart.com to join their online community and gain access. She is also seen on the NBC television program Untold Aging in the afternoons here in my area.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JVsKhoZPe/? LEADER SAM: First Show, explains her podcast
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/196vcHHXYL/? Parent moving from their home
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DJr4VP3TL/ Avoid promises you may not be able to keep
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Cdaa7D1PZ/? When shown anger don’t take it personally
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/191KSKMWZc/? You’re at your limit and feel quilty
C. Grief Check: Grief is not linear. It does not travel a straight line. There will be many hills to climb and valleys to go through, and each grief journey is different. No one should ever tell someone who is grieving “It’s time to get over it and move on.” Talk about your loved one, and the loss you feel. Even as a caregiver, talk about your feelings. Find a friend who will listen and support you, not one that has all the answers. Yes, you can get through it, with time, proper support, and self understanding.
TODAY’S NUGGET
I’m back in the pulpit just this Sunday after an absence of over two years, to fill in for the pastor. I wrote this for the Call to Worship thinking of you. The message is The Great Caregiver.
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: There are days that feel like they will never end,
Many: Yet we know God will send a friend.
One: We shout and cry for strength, and our care comes from the one above
Many: An angel without wings guides us through the fear with love,
One: Have you heard the whisper, or felt the nudge,
Many: Cause all we can do is wait for you to reach out and not judge.
One: With a hand or giving money, we will answer when there is a need Many: We trust that the great I Am will guide us to take heed