Caregiving For All: June 15, 2023, Del Larson, Certified Lay Minister
Wow! It has been two weeks since the University of Minnesota Caregiver Conference. I wanted to share this with you, but my notes are long. Instead, if you send me a request, (address below) I will forward a link so you can view conference highlights.
The opening session, AVOIDING POWER STRUGGLES by Deb Nygaard was, in my opinion the best session for me. It hit the nail on the head with information on how to deal with dementia patients as the disease progresses.
The second session, THE CAREGIVING PRINCIPLE, presented by Carol Amos. The caregiving principle: “Needs of the Loved One minus Needs filled by the Loved One equals Needs to be filled by the Caregiver.” It was helpful for me as she clarified the symptoms of caregiver Stress, and how to better take care of ourselves. For caregivers, their health is a slow decline but increases as time and stress increase. Most do not realize how much their workload increases until it is too late. Caregiving can last over 20 years. Most do not recognize the toll on the body until they realize they are struggling mentally or physically.
The third session, RESILIENT TOGETHER presented by Jeremy Holloway, Ph.D., talked about Cross-Cultural Communications. Its focus was on better help for all care patients no matter what their cultural background is.
The Last session WORKING TOGETHER WITH RESIDENTIAL CARE CENTER STAFF presented by Amy House, a director of a nursing facility. In this session Amy offered helpful information on working with nursing home staff and the facilities. Since returning from the conference, I was able to use the information more than once when helping my 96-year-old friend move into a memory care facility.
I have heard that a few of you are experiencing serious life issues. If there is anything I can do, please feel free to contact me. Reach out to family and friends. Be honest and tell them you need their support. You do not have to do this alone. For me, God is my strength. I know I am never walking alone. God puts others in our lives to help. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
I appreciate hearing from you. Positive or negative. My email is attached, or you can call the church and they will give you my number.
Feel free to respond, ask questions, or tell me what you think.
I hope that you can find one thing that will be helpful to you. Email: larsondel@gmail.com