Hi Everyone,

I would like to receive your input regarding a meeting I will be having next week. Our local community college is looking for new classes to add to their Continuing Education program. I submitted a proposal that they add a class titled "Caring for the Caregiver". Today, I received a response that they would like to talk with me about the concept.

I am VERY excited about the possibilities here!! Now for my request.

First, we have had other threads, on the other board, where members have listed ways that they would like for other family & friends to help out. I would like your permission to use some of those ideas.

Second, do you have any other ideas/suggestions. What you want someone to, straight forward, tell your family, friends, co-workers, community about the challenges of care giving and how they can help you?

Thanks in advance for your time and for your responses.

Cindy

I think the main thing I would want people to know is that most caregivers do not ask for help. Don't tell a caregiver to call you if they need something. We won't call. Just tell us what you are going to do for us and that you will not take no for an answer.

I agree with Lori. I also think people sometimes hesitate to offer to help because they think they might be expected to do something big, but it's actually the little things that mean a lot to me, like running an errand when I can't get away, fixing some small something around the house that needs attention that I can't get to, or just visiting with my mom for a few minutes--she loves people and she loves to talk.

ETA that I think it's wonderful that the college is considering adding the course to their continuing ed offerings.

grits/Sarah

Cindy,
Sibling help. Teach siblings that just because Parents are living with one child, doesn't mean others have no responsibiliy.

Basically the same as above. Don't say "call when you need me" Say, "why don't you and hubby go out on Sat. Night, and I'll come and stay with Mom." I am comfortable asking my sister, because she does ask me all the time about weekend plans. But brother has a lake home, and goes every weekend, especially in summer. He calls on Fridays and says" We're leaving now for the lake." Anything you need?

Educate siblings on helping the caregiver who is cariing also for "their" Mom or Dad. They also have to make some sacrifice's, since the caregiver has made a 100% sacrifice.

Thanks,
Jackie

Lori, Grits & Jackie:

Thank you very much for your replies! I have made notes of your responses and I'll definitely let you know how the meeting goes.

Thanks Again,
Cindy

Along with the other ideas, I know that I, because of the fact that I'm essentially now supporting my mom, would appreciate it if someone would just bring over a big supply of things like paper towel, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner, Kleenex, etc. every once in a while. I think most of my grocery money goes for stuff like this and I would be tickled to death to have my brother just get a bunch of stuff like that and bring it over here. I'd never ask, of course.

It would be nice also if one would offer maybe even an hour a week worth of dusting, or running a sweeper, or wash a load of laundry...just the small things that take time we do not have a lot of. It's hard to leave a loved one alone inside also to wash a few windows, or mow the grass. I agree that small things are important...maybe a casserole once a week would be a great help when time is an issue because of doctor appointments. I am helping do these things for sis in law because we are sharing the care for her mom. It's easier since both of us are willing to help each other.

Howdy2u & Jane, thank you very much for your input!!!

I found out today that my meeting will take place next Wednesday (October 24th) at 9:30am. I will continue to check back here, so if you think of anything else please add it.

Cindy

Thanks for the opportunity to provide input!
I'd love to see an up-to-date resources file for every locality.
Something with lists of everything from support groups (on site
and on line) to caregiving agencies and volunteer orgs.
The true trick to something like this is keeping it up-to-date
and as comprehensive as possible. It would also have to
be done on a very local level, since while some resources
are at a national level, many--including churches and
volunteer orgs--are extremely local.
Thanks again!

Hi Carol,

Thank you so much for your input as well! My meeting with the continuing education coordinator is a almost here

I have compiled everyone's suggestions along with statistics regarding predictions for the escalation in new cases of AD and other dementias. Preparation has always been a BIG thing for me and I truly want to come across as well informed and as possessing the three C's (Cool, Calm and Collected ) However, I must admit to feeling a certain level of anxiety !

I'll let everyone know how it goes!

Thanks Again,
Cindy

How wonderful!
Good Luck!!!
Carol

I'm sure you'll do great Cindy. We're pulling for you.

Hi All,

Sorry for the delay in updating. We had computer problems that resulting in the hard drive having the be re-formatted

I am extremely pleased to tell you that the Continuing Ed. coordinator wants me to teach the class!! She is currently putting together the schedule for the classes that will begin in April. So, that's just that much more time for me to make sure everything is perfect!

Thanks again for all of your support!!

Cindy

Oh that is just wonderful!!!!!!! what a great thing you are doing,

Cindy,

Congratulations!