Thankful….”for lots of things”

Some Personal Thanks

I can’t help but think about my “growing up” years, although some would suggest that maybe I still am… growing up, that is.  But that’s OK.  The best part about being older in age than I used to be is that I don’t necessarily have to be “old.”

This being Thanksgiving month, I can’t help but think back to how we celebrated Thanksgiving when I was a kid.  It also reminds me how very blessed I was to have had both of my parents until they left for Heaven Dad in 2008; Mom in 2011.

So, before I give you more of my list of “lots of things I’m thankful for” I want to say that I am very grateful for parents who loved me, cared for me, and pointed me into God’s direction, allowing me to make my own choices.  My parents didn’t have a lot of money, but when I think back about that, they gave me much more – they taught me about values such as:  honesty, integrity, working hard, morality, being unselfish, the importance of friendship, and they taught me about the meaning of love.  God has given me much to be thankful for.

Some Business Thanks

What I’ve enjoyed about my involvement in senior care, is the people that I’ve come into contact with both personally and ‘electronically’ through pertinent websites, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

And what I really love is the opportunity I’ve had to meet those caregivers who are or will be caring for aging parents, spouse or other senior family member.  I am truly thankful for all of them.

There are millions of caregivers and unfortunately, there are still many who don’t know what resources are available.  I could never thank all the Professionals I’ve come into contact with, whether it be during educational workshops, business referrals or conversations/discussions; but I would like to identify a few and I hope this “Thank You List” will provide some useful contacts for you:

1) Thank you to the Elder Care Advisors who work together with you to develop a plan for
facilitating a senior’s transition to a new living location. aplaceformom.com, SeniorAdvisor.com

2) Thank you to the Home Care providers who can meet with you to find out what is needed (e.g., housekeeping? Bath/shower assistance, medication help) to keep the senior in their own home. Visiting Angels

 

 

3) Thank you to the Geriatric Care Management professionals (e.g., Aging Life Care Professional) who provide various levels of specialized assistance (care evaluation and management) for eldercare matters. Aging Life Care Association

 

4) Thank you to the Senior Move Managers who can help you with relocation necessities such as packing, helping determine what furniture will fit into the new location, just to name a few. nasmm.com

 

5) Other resources:

eldercare.gov   Locate Community Based Resources

keepingussafe.org    Senior Driver and their Family

AlzAuthors   Alzheimer’s Authors Blog and Books

ABC’s of Caregiving   Book by Nanette J. Davis

 

If you are in the midst of being a caregiver, whether it requires a minimal amount or a large part of your time, check out the links within this article and/or check the Links/Resources section of this website for more information and some “State-specific” resources as well.  You might find just the one you need. I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.  May God bless you especially.

“Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.”  Dr. M. Colgrove