Peace and Sleep...

There is a Scripture in the Bible that I use when I am afraid, troubled, restless.  I pull out Psalms 4:8:  "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:  for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."

Life is filled with challenges.  High blood pressure is often the result of a troubled spirit and lack of rest.  Without peace in the soul, it is difficult to get a clear picture of what needs to be done regarding upcoming decisions, especially in caregiving.

When you can't rest, try this prescription.  Go to the WORD.  There is always an answer.  Sometimes we just need help in finding it.

SMILE

 

This picture was taken a few days ago.  She has a very winning smile and there are times that only the smile of a loved one will lift the spirits and soothe the heart.  Caregiving often leaves the caregiver wondering who they are and what has happened to the person that once inhabited their body.  The face in the mirror is almost unrecognizable. 

 

If you are exhausted and struggling, seek someone who can pray with you and will help you find the answers for your situation.  There are many helps today that were not available a few years ago.  There is a government site on aging. Google caregivers and see all the sites that pop up.  Type in the illness you are dealing with and there will be several sites to choose from with information and guidelines for help.

 

When life is a struggle, look for someone who can lift your spirits with their smile.  Smile in return!

 

 

I've Got Your Back...

Do you know who has your back?  Is there someone you can count on to be available in a crisis? Or, someone who is a constant help?

It is important, in caregiving, to know who is on your team.  It is necessary to HAVE a team!  There has to be people around us who know what the schedule is, the procedures are and be able to step in to help when needed. 

If you haven't found those who are in the know regarding your situation, determine to put a plan in place.  You cannot afford to fly solo.  The statistics prove that the caregiver often succumbs to illness due to the fact that they have not taken care of themselves.  So, reach out for help and develop a plan.

If you cannot do this, leave me a message on the comments and we will work with you to find a way to meet the needs in your family!

God bless you.  He has a plan.  We will find it together.

IN A TIGHT SPOT?

 

Sometimes we feel like we just can't escape!  We are bound by a situation that has trapped us and we are off balance.

 

Ever been there?

 

Caregiving can give you that sensation and make you feel like there is no way out.  Life gets complicated and sticky.  The grip gets tighter.

 

What can we do to help ourselves?  Sometimes just relaxing and taking inventory helps.  At times, recognizing our captor is the key.  (If it is your older brother, then you have to cry "uncle" until he lets go.)  But, getting a clear picture and seeing the options will make a difference.  Asking for help from someone often makes it better.  (And, if "uncle" doesn't work, scream for Mom).

 

Today, I am praying that God will give you the key to your situation and help you relax.  Take care of yourself.  You are important and it is YOU who will provide your loved one with the environment they need to thrive.

 

 

It's Just Not the Same....

 

It's Just Not the Same... 

 

Life changes.  We look in the mirror one day and wonder who that person is?  There are a few features that look familiar, but overall, the image is almost unrecognizable. 

 

The key to a successful future is the ability to look at things as they are, not as they were.  Recognizing new limitations, accepting them, and working out how to adjust to them is critical in living a fulfilled and happy life as a senior.

 

So many seniors never find their purpose once they are deprived of their vehicle, their home, their life as they have known it.  It doesn't matter how successful a person has been in the past if they cannot find purpose for the now. 

 

I watched my mother give up and die once she realized she could no longer go home or function as she once did.  Her stroke left her with issues that she could never accept and was not able to overcome.  It was devastating to her and to the family.

 

If you have a loved one who is finding change difficult, do your best to help them recognize their limitations and learn to use them.  If Jeremiah was correct (29:11), God has a plan and it doesn't stop when we have a stroke or turn 80 or lose some of our mobility.  Help them find that purpose while they are able to think it through.  There will possibly be a time when dementia or Alzheimer's takes their mental ability.  Until then, help them feel valuable!

 

Galveston Before Ike:







The Unkown

 

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most recognized monuments in the United States.  If you ever get a chance to read the requirements for these men who keep vigil over this site, you will be surprised and impressed.  Their life is committed for a period of time and they are required to keep the rules.  Why do they?  Because, they want to.

 

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/1126293/posts

 

Caregiving can be an unknown.  It begins with an idea of what is going to happen and goes to a completely different place.  We learn new languages, new vocabulary, new rules.  We find ourselves immersed in a foreign land.  I often found myself gasping for air.

 

The good thing is, there is help.  Google the challenges you face and you will probably get several choices of help.  A few years ago, there was little help and most caregivers flew blind.

 

I pray for your journey and that you find the help you need quickly!  God bless!

 

 

My Soldier - Johnathan.

 

 



 

 

Respite or Boredom?

 

Respite or Boredom?

 

For the Caregiver it is considered respite.  There is a need to escape and enjoy the things that make you relax and be able to think clearly. The sound of the surf eases the turmoil inside and the wind chases the fuzzy thoughts away. 

 

For the one being cared for, it is often boredom.  There is too much time.  There is too much time to remember the things that once were. There are years of inactivity, watching old people get older and realizing that you are one of them, ahead.

 

I prayed a prayer yesterday.  I prayed that God would give me a key to what would be fulfilling to a friend of mine.  I was able to walk outside, get in my car, drive away.  Her life has taken a drastic turn and she is now confined to a room in a nursing facility.  Unless she gets her strength back, she won't be able to decide for herself what is respite and what is boring. 

 

Because we lose strength and slow down physically, doesn't mean our mind and memories do.  So, today I pray God gives you (the caregiver) insight into what would fulfill your care receiver and bring you both respite!



So many can no longer fly alone - they need our help.