Is the family caregiving crisis real if it is not impacting you?
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Welcome to the Keeping it REAL Caregiving newsletter, where we aim to give you REAL & PRACTICAL information to help you navigate the world of caregiving.
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It is not always easy to keep up with news and events going on around us. That is especially true for the month of November!
It is jam-packed full with fun national holidays. But, there are also quite a few that are aimed at helping to raise awareness of health-related items.
For instance, did you know November is American Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Disease Month?
As a caregiver to my mother, who suffered from diabetes, I never knew there was an entire month dedicated to learning specifically about eye disease and how diabetes can play a role.
Courtesy: Adobe Stock
Why is this important? If you are a caregiver and your loved one or elder is experiencing specific symptoms, the more you know the faster you can address the issue with your doctors.
The American Diabetes Association is hosting several events this month that you can take part in – virtually – to GET EDUCATED.
Save the date, because coming up on November 18, 2021, the Virtual event “Ask Dr. Bob” is on tap.
According to the ADA website, you can watch on Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube and the format is a Q&A.
National Family Caregivers Month
November is also the month when we focus on Family Caregivers. We talked about this a bit earlier, BUT – I can’t stress enough how crucial it is for the folks doing the heavy lifting of caregiving – to 🎗💕🕊 CARE FOR THEMSELVES!
Don’t believe me? Here are just a few comments from KIRC social media followers who are in the role of caregiver:
“…Hardest thing I have done in my life!! Praying for all wonderful caregivers out there…”
“I’ve been caring for my mom for close to 15 years and at times it can be overwhelming. Because she is my mother I really can’t see it any other way…”
“We are drowning…it’s just too much. Now we have health issues…”
“It is really challenging when your own health is failing and no support system to help ease the load…”
Raising awareness & driving change
How many causes and issues have we watched grow, gain steam and then force change to existing systems? Almost too many to count. I KNOW we can do the same with caregiving!!
One of my goals with Keeping it REAL Caregiving is to harness the power of all or our voices and then take active steps to improve the situation for everyone.
I believe one way is to find each other, share our stories and lend support, and then map out a game plan for ACTION!
Keeping it REAL Caregiving would like to invite you to several other online events that I’m hopeful can start the ball rolling.
You are invited to the FIRST KIRC Facebook Live Q&A and Meet & Greet.
This is a way for us to connect, learn, share and start combining our voices into a force for change.
When: Friday, November 12, 2021
Time: 12 – 1 PM Pacific/ 3 – 4 PM Eastern
Why: To learn, share, grow, lend support & more…
Caring for the Caregiver
This online event is hosted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; Theta Chi Omega Chapter in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Keeping it REAL Caregiving is honored to join a panel of distinguished women to talk about what it means to Care for the Caregiver and ways to do that.
When: Monday, November 15, 2021
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Eastern
Where: Online Zoom Session @ www.RB.GY/5MEZJQ
Taking a cue from Greta & the climate battle
Over the past several years, the world has watched as a teenager has elevated the conversation over climate change to new levels.
When I think about how much impact Greta Thunberg has had on global awareness, I am in awe.
Whether you support her message or not, none of us can deny the power and force she has brought to the movement.
I believe eldercare and family caregiving is much like climate change. Because many people don’t see or feel it until it is slamming down on them, it is hard to devote and/or take energy and action.
It is time we change that!
Until next time~
Ciao!
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