1,000 acts of kindness #2

1,000 acts of kindness. Caregiver Access acknowledges Caregivers who have learned to speak up, advocate and sometimes "go to the mat" so the person they are caring for will have the services and attention they need. With that same determination we at Caregiver Access are "going to the mat" for the families and neighbors who have become these "mommy bear" Caregivers.

1,000 act of kindness #1

1,000 acts if kindness. Caregiver Access wants to acknowledge every time a Caregiver can still show affection to a mom that's driving them crazy, or a bossy dad, a husband that didn't like what they made for dinner, a wife who complained about which toothpaste they bought at the grocery store or a child whose medical needs are all consuming. Giving a hug, a squeeze of a hand, a quick kiss can feel harder than climbing a mountain.

There are ways to protect yourself from the worst effects of stress. Watch how Rosie O'Donnell has changed her life to better cope.

Here's the video where Rosie O'Donnell on the Dr. Oz show talks about her heart attack, the toll of Caregiving and how she has changed her life to help her cope.

She didn't mention acupuncture. That's another really good way to stay fortified when things get intense during Caregiving. I've had clients say that they were able to handle things more gracefully as they cared for parents or spouses. Acupuncture enabled them to avoid feeling overwhelmed by everything on their plate.

For the New Year I've packaged and discounted four Caregiver acupuncture programs to make it easy to get the help you need to stay in the game. Save $60 with these 3 session packages. Email me at sotmary@gmail.com for more information and to schedule your sessions.

1) Immune Booster
2) Insomnia/Menopause
3) Digestion/Weight Management
4) Stress Reduction/Focus & Direction

Dont' worry, you needn't be a Caregiver at present to take advantage of this offer.
As Rosalynn Carter says:
"There are only four kinds of people in the world -
1. Those who have been Caregivers
2. Those who currently are Caregivers
3. Those who will be Caregivers,
4. And those who will need Caregivers."

Disaster Assistance for East Coast

If you sustained losses or damage from Hurricane Sandy, you may be eligible for disaster aid.
Information: www.disasterassistance.gov
To apply: 1-800-462-7585
Smartphone: m.fema.gov

Have ready:
SS#
Home insurance info.
Address and zip
Directions to property
Daytime phone #
Where you can be reached
Address to receive mail
Bank account type, account # and routing #

Developing a great relationship with a home health aide

There are many helpful tips that can make having a new home health aide in your home go smoothly.
http://nextstepincare.org/Provider_Home/Home_Health_Aides/
You can download this free resource pamphlet in English, Chinese, Russian or Spanish.

Who's going to care for my loved one when I can't?

Here's a great 10 page guide on how to make decisions about Home Care for someone you are caring for.
http://nextstepincare.org/Provider_Home/Home_Care_Complete
You can select English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian versions of the information.

The Levines are ready to guide you

Stephen and Ondrea Levine are wonderful teachers and healers, especially in the areas of death and dying. They are always talking about life.....really......and why we do it everyday. Whenever you feel like you are losing your way they can bring you back to what really still matters for you underneath the daily superficialities.
You can check out their talks here. http://levinetalks.com/ The first month is free and then you can become a memeber for ongoing support and healing.