September 13, 2023

Quote of the Week:

“Caregivers go through more than they will tell you. They give up a lot and rarely have a social life. They can get sick and emotionally worn out. It's a lot for one person and you will never know until you have walked the road of a caregiver.”

– ANONYMOUS

Consider the fact that today, family caregivers represent over one in five Americans. Statistics alone can only point to the growing need for support for the caregivers who comprise this fact. It can be considered an epidemic as statistically, numbers are on the rise.

Who or what can assist caregivers in the solitary, monumental task of caring for a loved one in mental/physical decline? The government is slow to augment burdens, financially, and care-wise. Facility placement becomes more costly, with less insurance aid to offset expenses. Long-term care insurance, once a reasonably affordable answer for augmenting mounting costs in assisted living facilities, has risen sharply over the last few years, seemingly as application numbers increase.

At the moment, the only two alternatives for on-going care for loved ones in mental/physical decline are in-home care or placement in an assisted living community.

The family caregiver must deal with a myriad of issues in providing care for a declining loved one, not the least of which involves isolation and loneliness.

A good caregiver support group can be a lifeline, providing a place to share feelings confidentially, make friends, get help navigating the health care system, and learn from others who have walked a similar path. A supportive community develops among members with the opportunity to experience a connectedness with individuals who "get" one another without the fear of judgement or need for "correction."

In the company of like-minded people, one can feel comfortable voicing one's frustrations, questions, or accomplishments without having to explain ones self. In addition, support groups provide a safe place where one can vent negative emotions and not feel judged.

1.  We heal through connectedness 

2.  We realize that others struggle, too

3.  Talking helps us process

4.  We break the stigma

5.  We develop self acceptance

6.  We find support

7.  We realize we are not alone

8.  Our journeys may become a survival guide for others

9.  We don't bottle things up inside

10.  Connectedness empowers us

11.  Our basic needs for acceptance, to be understood, and belong are met

12.  We connect with our authentic self

Acceptance, collectively and personally, becomes easier to attain.

DayBreak proudly offers caregiver support groups that continue to create a warm and inclusive community for caregivers caring for loved ones in cognitive/physical decline.

We meet three times a week on zoom: 

• Mondays from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Wednesdays from 1:00-2:00 PM
• Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Comfort calls and check-in phone outreach are offered as need presents.

Now, caregivers: For a moment, let's imagine that a voice could be put to the gratitude our loved ones would wish to express to us. 

It could well sound much like this:

THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF ME.

*Thank you for the times your meal is cold, because you make mine first

*Thank you for the times you wake up at night to check that I am safely sleeping

*Thank you for the times you worry about me, pray for me, want the best for me

*Thank you for the times you are strong for me, advocate on my behalf, and fight for me

*Thank you for the times you patiently put up with me when I am difficult

*Thank you for putting my needs first when it feels like yours always come last

*Thank you for the times you forgive me when I hurt you with my words or actions

Thank you for the times you go without a hug, a thank you, a kiss, or a smile from me

*Thank you for being there for me even when I can no longer do the same for you

*Thank you for staying right beside me, even though being together may make you feel even more alone

THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF ME!

– Karen Kelleher, MA

Contact:

510-542-0912

The Application Period is Open for the Innovations in

Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards, Now in its 16th year.

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Inc., and Family Caregiver Alliance recognize three organizations that are delivering dynamic programs addressing the needs of family and friend caregivers and those they care for living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition.

Learn more about the awards, read the awards FAQs and find details about awardees from previous years.

The application window will be open from September 8 through October 6, 2023.

Check back on the main Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards page to apply!

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of

elders and the caregivers who selflessly support them.

DayBreak is committed to offering essential support to elders and caregivers navigating diverse difficulties. If you're acquainted with a senior who could find value in our care and coordination services, or if you're aware of a caregiver seeking assistance, encourage them to reach out to us at:

510-834-8314