Caregivers Take Care Of You First

February 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

If I’ve learned one thing these past few months, it’s that you have to take care of you first, or you are no good to anyone else. I’m into my second week of antibiotics, the bronchitis is getting better, but I am still exhausted. Hard for me to keep my eyes open sometimes.

Nevertheless, the most important thing is to take care of yourself. As much as you can, as often as you can. Try anything, from music to writing, to aromatherapy, hot tea, light a candle, meditate for five short minutes, try something.

I’ve missed reading other people’s blogs in the last couple of weeks, yes, I have much to catch up on, but I’m not quite there yet, and I know myself.I have to get myself better first.

And while you are doing what you can, be aware. Be aware of everything around you. Pay close attention to phone calls, and knocks on your door.Skilled con artists are scamming caregivers and seniors.

In the meantime for the rest of you out there reading this. Give the gift that lasts forever and costs nothing. Adopt A Caregiver in your own community, and tell them your friend Helene sent you.

Keep love and kisses in your life. Helene

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If Only

February 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment

If only I could keep my eyes open, if only I could feel better. If only I could clear off my desk, make my phone calls, read my emails..If only.

Well, I need to get better first. This bronchitis has me laid out flat. It’s been 10 days already, and I’m still exhausted, and willing or able to do much.

Tomorrow, maybe I’ll get dressed and put some make up on. Maybe that will make me feel better.

I’m still on antibiotics, and other meds, and I’m sure some of that is keeping me so tired.

But I want to get better. I want to get started on other things.

If only.

Give the gift that lasts forever and costs nothing. Adopt A Caregiver and tell them your friend Helene sent you.

Keep love and kisses in your life. Helene

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Suppose

February 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Suppose you go to a meeting, dinner, church, synagogue, Mah Jongg game, book club, anything where the same people congregate together for the afternoon or the evening.

Suppose you hear that Mrs. Jones is now a new caregiver, her husband had a heart attack, stroke, was diagnosed with Cancer, or Alzheimer’s Disease.

Suppose another person in the group also knows Mrs. Jones, and says she is a nice lady, or she likes to read, or her family is on the other coast.

You could Adopt A Caregiver, give the gift that last forever and costs nothing. Do you have any idea how much this email would mean to Mrs. Jones?

If you can’t stand in her shoes, read my book, Behind The Mask and know the thoughts and emotions that go through a new caregivers mind.

Tell Mrs. Jones that you live in her community and that you would like to be her friend. Encourage this friendship, encourage her to vent to write in a journal , to talk to you. Tell Mrs. Jones you will not judge her, since you can’t stand in her shoes. Just be yourself.

Suppose this were to happen to you? Wouldn’t you like someone to adopt you?

Just suppose, then give something back.

Keep love and kisses in your life. Helene

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What Happens When The Caregiver Gets Sick?

February 1, 2009 By 1 Comment

I’ve been feeling so crappy these last several days, and I know this will continue into next week because this is the way I get sick.

But, I was able to lounge in my chair, nap frequently, read a little bit, and today I knitted for about a half hour.

What can a caregiver do when she gets sick? She doesn’t have the freedom to do what I’v e done, she just has to plod along no matter how miserable she feels. And believe me I’ve been pretty miserable.

You can do something. If you are part of a community that hears things about his neighbors, and you hear about someone who has just become a caregiver, do something about it. Give the gift that lasts forever and costs nothing. Adopt A Caregiver, and tell them your friend Helene sent you. Just send an email and offer to be their friend, to listen without judging and to let them vent.

If you’ve never stood in a new caregivers shoes, read my book, Behind The Mask. My secret journal that I published after they changed my husband’s diagnosis. I poured my thoughts and emotions into that secret journal, and maybeimy story will help others.

Keep love and kisses in your life. Helene

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