The Value of Sharing
During the past 12 years I have worked with family caregivers in a variety of settings. I have served as an educator, advocate, and counselor helping families deal with issues related to the changing needs of older adults. One common theme that has been present no matter what position I was in, no matter who I was helping, is that we find our greatest source of support when we reach out to others. Sharing a common experience helps us develop a bond with others and find strength, guidance, and emotional support we may need on our own personal journey. This is why we can find support groups in so many areas: grief, dependency, illness, caregiver, etc. These groups not only provide valuable insight and practical solutions to their members but also may lend hope to the hopeless and help replace fear and loneliness with the knowledge that someone has been there before you, and someone is there to help you with whatever challenges you face.
Unfortunately, with the hectic pace of our world today we may not always be able to participate in a caregiver support group, so St. Andrew’s Senior Solutions has created a space caregivers can go online, share their stories and reap the rewards of the experiences of others. It is a place you can vent frustrations, voice concerns, take pride in your victories, and simply let other caregivers share in your journey. What resources have you found helpful? What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? If there is one thing you could share with other caregivers what would that be? You can share as much or as little as you would like, you can do so anonymously if you choose, and while helping others you may find a little bit of help for yourself.
Click here to share your family’s caregiving journey. You will also find a wide variety of resources and educational materials that may be helpful in your caregiving situation.
For more information contact your Caring Workplace Eldercare Specialist, Heather O’Brien at 314-802-5106, Toll free 1-888-388-1930 or [email protected]