I received the following email message from the staff at WSRCC, Washington State Residential Care Council, which is the association and lobbying group for Adult Family Home Care Providers in Washington State.
WA State caregiver training rules have been less than stable in the past few years, as the State Employee Union seeks to take over control of all caregivers in all settings in the state, including private homes and Adult Continue reading »
My friend and trainer Lisa Sasevich just sent me this email about her Dad and how he trusted his inner spirit in making health care choices after suffering a stroke. I just had to pass it on to you because it shows just how important it is to listen to the spirit within you, trust your inner guidance, and to honor the choices of the people to whom you provide care. Her story truly touches the heart…
“Hi Jo Lyn,
“I hope this note finds you well. The first thing I want to do is Thank You from the bottom of my heart for your collective prayers for my Dad. He’s 83 and went into the hospital in Miami Beach a few weeks ago after a bad fall, most likely preceded by a heart attack. I flew from my vacation in Argentina straight to Miami and stayed by his side for a week. We played cards, nibbled on hospital food Continue reading »
Care for Yourself ~ Care for the Caregiver
Living a life in the service of others, striving to support and serve the people you care for, can be a tiring endeavor, and lead to care giver burnout. Trying to help other people be healthy and happy is a noble cause, but it’s also critical to fill your own needs for health and happiness too!
As you take care of other people, remember it’s just as important to learn how to take care of yourself too! If you don’t, you’ll just burn yourself out, and you’ll be in no condition to help anybody else.
Make sure to take a needed break from time to time to re-fill the “oil in your lamp” so your light can continue to shine gently and brightly in service to others.
Here’s some idea starters for what you can do to rejuvenate your own energies and bring more peace and joy back into your days:
May you be richly blessed this day,
Jo Lyn
For the Family in an Elder Care Crisis…
My parents, at ages 93 and 89, are obviously not able to do all they could when they were younger. Dad has health care needs that require 24 hour care and supervision, and Mom is mentally sharp, but physically frail. Managing their health care includes making decisions about where they live, who provides their care, and controlling health care costs. My Dad recently had a stroke, and my family looks to me for elder care management… thankfully, I have the skills and know how to get it done well. But the rest of my family is at a loss when it comes to navigating the health care system and knowing how to proceed. This video is the first in my series for you, as you advocate for your own loved one. To access the rest, and get my report on Medicare Coverage and Medicaid Planning, create your own f.r.e.e. membership account, sign in, and look for the links on your F.r.e.e. Content Index page.
Here’s my first video - please let me know how it helps you by adding a comment on the page below…. oh, and please forgive my funny faces. I’m working hard to learn how to do these videos and make them look great… but You Tube and Windows Live Movie Maker seem to like to trick me! 
Care Home America is an online community for caregivers – whether you are caring for you own elderly or disabled family member, whether you advocate for people with disabilities, or whether you serve in a professional health care capacity, Care Home America is designed to be your trusted source for training, connection, support and resources. Continue reading »
Perhaps you help your elderly parents or a disabled family member, neighbors or friend. Or maybe you are a health care professional. Whether you provide hands-on, direct care or indirect care (act as an advocate) – you’re still a caregiver. I am a Registered Nurse, and I am a caregiver. And one thing I’ve learned about caregiving is that there is far more NEED for care and advocacy than any ONE person can fill.
Who is on your caregiving team? Any one who provides help or services for the disabled or elderly person you serve. Family members, nurses, doctors, therapists, pharmacists, nursing assistants, case managers, guardians, financial advocates… you name it, if they help, they are on the team! Care Home America is designed especially for you and your caregiving team. No team of your own yet? No worries! Once you join Care Home America you’ll be invited into our Private Social Forum, where you’ll find like-minded caregiver friends to connect and share with!
Blessings ~ Jo Lyn Cornelsen, RN
