Rockland Psychiatric asks about the emotional issues that Caregiver face

Hear about why Christine Sotmary chose to interview 22 Family Caregivers to find out what emotional issues they faced. There are many surprises in their responses! Watch the video interview.

1,000 acts of kindness #3

1,000 acts of kindness. Caregiver Access acknowledges Caregivers who understand that the person they are caring for may have become more narcissitic because that's what pain, aging, injuries and disabilities tend to bring about. We understand that acknowledgement, thanks and appreciation aren't always available to you and you still get out there each and every day and provide care.

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.

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.

Families face different challenges when taking care of Mom and Dad

Give a listen to this series. So many decisions, so few options. At Caregiver Access we are getting ready to help in a big way. We are creating a profession that is family focused and will create support programs for these wonderful families to know they are not alone.

Second Caring for the Caregiver Interview

This TV show video interview with Christine Sotmary describes what Caregiving for someone with dementia and Alzheimer's feels like. Christine discusses lots of simple ways we can contribute to making it easier for those who have taken on the challenge.

Doctors discover Family Caregivers!

It really matters when you include the Family Caregivers and Informal Caregivers in the medical conversation!

Hudson Valley Caregivers.....give a listen.

Radio Rotary focuses on Caring for the Caregiver. Lots of great stuff to share with the Caregivers in your life.

Papers and dying!!??? Getting it together.

What do you need to get organized? This is for all those you will be leaving behind. My mother always told me to "be nice" and this is a good way to start. You'll sleep better.....I promise.

Sharing time and energy

Read about this wonderful program in VT to help community members stay in their homes.

Helping others is better than a day at the gym

Volunteering has its health benefits. Tell your doctor you're going to read to kids at the local library the next time he recommends a diet!

Radio piece and article that will astound you humans!

Rats are natural at being Caregivers

Stressed out for the holidays? There's help.

Hudson Valley Hospital Programs....the video

....and let's remember the former Caregivers in our midst

We've opened up our Family Wellness Workshops to our former Caregivers with the idea that now is the time for them to finally be able to reflect on their experiences and then possibly mentor the new folks going down that similar path. Grieving the loss of this life altering lifestyle and celebrating the richness that is Caregiving is now open to anyone who has been there and done that.

"Pocket Neighborhoods" emerging

I received this article from my friend Ken.

People need people, and a more simplified social-centered lifestyle. That's the key motivation for a major trend in today's housing market. Increasing numbers of homebuyers tend to shy away from large, maintenance-heavy homes with spacious yards in favor of small basic homes in intimate neighborhoods. They want to live close, but not too close, to neighbors. Thus, architects and developers are responding by planning small groups of single-family homes - perhaps 6 to 12 small homes - in a setting of neighbor-friendliness. These mini-communities are sometimes referred to as pocket neighborhoods.

Typically, these are clustered groups of neighboring houses gathered around some sort of shared open space - a garden courtyard, a pedestrian street, a series of joined backyards, or a reclaimed alley - all of which have a clear sense of territory and shared stewardship. They can be in urban, suburban or rural areas, it was noted by architect Ross Chapin, author of the new book, "Pocket Neighborhoods," published by Taunton Press.

These are settings where nearby neighbors can easily know one another, where empty nesters and single householders with far-flung families can find friendship or a helping hand nearby, and where children can have shirttail aunties and uncles just beyond their front gate, Chapin said.

Daffodils in the mud

Imagine waiting an entire year to bloom and then a rain storm weighs down your petals. Instead of announcing spring, the daffodils' lovely yellow petals are stuck in the mud.
Often couples have waited a lifetime to retire. When an illness comes along,instead of walking on a sandy beach or taking an art course at the local museum, a newly recruited Family Caregiver is now sitting by a loved one's bedside or in a doctor's waiting room. Just like the daffodil, Caregivers need a nice "gardner" to come along and shake off the heavy weight of some of their burdens.
Helping their loved one stay at home is one of the most helpful things a community can do for a Family Caregiver. Here's a great program that's been a model for the rest of the country.

For the families living with the effects of autism

This week they are running a special focus on Autism on WPIX. Lots of great info. and yes there is much yet to do. Getting information out to you, the Family Caregivers, seems to be a priority. Caregiver Access will try to help in any way we can.
On a personal note, my drummer friend Eric Katz is involved with the song "Light it up Blue" that they sang on Friday's show. The kids are adorable.