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NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

National Family Caregivers Month

National Family Caregivers Month is dedicated to recognizing caregivers for their dedication supporting a loved one with a chronic illness, disability, or other health conditions. After being a caregiver for my mother, Elizabeth Boyd, I published H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey: Help, Organization, Preparation, & Education for the Road Ahead. This caregiver guide provides advice, tools, and suggestions that my brothers and I learned during our 11-year journey caring for our mother. Many concepts are conveyed in an open, honest, and creative manner using original family email communications. These emails provide insight into our thoughts, concerns, emotions, and deliberations as we realized our mother’s memory loss, sought a diagnosis and treatment, selected housing options, and developed care strategies as she continued to deteriorate from Alzheimer’s. 

H.O.P.E., as it is affectionately called, also introduces The Caregiving Principle®, a novel approach to caregiving that provides a deeper understanding of a person living with Alzheimer’s. It also provides a framework for the caregivers’ role. H.O.P.E has helped countless caregivers have a less stressful, more rewarding journey.

Out and About: Spreading My Message of H.O.P.E.

I continue to spread my message of H.O.P.E. because I love to help, educate, and encourage caregivers. In September, I was an exhibitor at the Canaan Baptist Church Community Health Fair. I really enjoy discussing the warning signs, risk factors, and answering questions about Alzheimer’s disease. In October, I attended the Jewish Family Services of Delaware Savvy Caregiver Apple Cider Networking Event. I networked with many in the Delaware professional caregiving community and learned about the JFS Compass Program. Last week I was a panelist for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Workshop sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. The education and encouragement was a wonderful way to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month. Erica Holmes, Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association introduced our day. Adrienne Holloway, Christiana Care Swank Center discussed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Guide Program (see my June Newsletter). Jonathan Swartz, EasterSeals discussed respite grants and opportunities and introduced the Canaan Baptist Church “Together We Care” respite program. Our panel, moderated by Dr. Damali Thomas, included Sonja Brown, caregiver, Michelle Rowe, Swank Center Guide Nurse, and myself. We shared advice on difficult phases of the journey, examples of how to take care of yourself, and answered caregiver questions. Of course I shared my H.O.P.E acryonym. The conference concluded with a period of networking. All aspects of the day focused on “wrap around” support for caregivers.

H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer's Journey: Help, Organization, Preparation, and Education for the Road Ahead is on sale this month for $10 with free gift wrapping and shipping in the continental U.S. Caregivers can benefit from the encouragement, advice, tips, and tools. H.O.P.E. also introduces The Caregiving Principle®, a novel approach to caregiving that provides a deeper understanding of a person living with Alzheimer’s. It also provides a framework for the caregivers’ role. H.O.P.E has helped many caregivers have a less stressful, more rewarding journey.Visit the book page of my website, bookstores, or Amazon to purchase H.O.P.E. Please consider purchasing a copy for a caregiver, co-worker, friend, or family member. H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey is a great stocking stuffer and the perfect way to say, “I love you and I care.” 

Please Take Care of Yourself