GIVE THANKS TO CAREGIVERS

'TIS THE SEASON OF THANKSGIVING... I am thanking God for Caregivers.  My house is decorated with the colors of Autumn and harvest in browns, oranges, reds and yellows.

 

 

I have a friend who had a stroke several years ago and she is in a wheelchair and for the most part housebound.  She lost her dear husband the same year I lost my Bill to cancer.  We have always had a common bond...

 

She gave me this beautiful fall bouquet as a surprise.  I bring her some homemade suppers once a week and we visit.  She raises amazing flowers and plants with just the use of her one hand.  She manages to live alone with her dog and except for a son who sleeps in the house, she is quite alone.  She never complains and I cherish our visits as we share our memories and her youth which is quite remarkable.  Here are some of her beautiful plants:

 

Don't foget to see other pink wonders at Beverly's How Sweet the sound because it is Pink Saturday again!!

I am blessed as much by our visits as she is and I treasure my times with her.  I remember how hard it was when I was caregiver for my Sweet husband for the eight long years he suffered with Multiple Myeloma and I know how taxing emotionally and physically it can be.  If you are a caregiver, I am sharing some tips from United Healthcare and hope it helps you in your journey...

Thanksgiving for Care Giving

Take a moment this holiday season to give thanks to the caregivers in your life. Even family members who are pitching in could use a few kind words for their extra efforts.

If you are the caregiver, give yourself a pat on the back. It's only very special people who can serve the special needs of others. Caregiving can be rewarding but it can also be stressful. While caregiver stress is very common, people may not pay attention to the warning signs. Warning signs can include feeling tired, depressed, and unhappy. Sometimes when you feel stressed, you may not take care of yourself and forget to exercise, eat properly and rest.

Caring for Caregivers

If you're feeling stressed, try these tips:

• Accept Help — Make a list of the ways other people can help you. Picking up groceries and bringing in a meal are easy tasks to assign someone who wants to help. • Take a Break — Go for a walk with a friend, read a book, or call a family member. • Seek Advice — Ask your doctor about support groups and other resources to help.

Practice good self-care. This may improve your quality of life and create positive energy. For more tools and resources, visit the AARP Health & Wellness Caregiving Learning Center. Thanks so much for visiting today and may  God's love and blessings go with you. My heart to yours...   For an update on Little Rylen Lynch, a  living miracle, visit my christian blog that  I will be sharing today: http://kerrieshomejournal.blogspot.com    Thank You!