Hello Empowered Aging Family,
Thank you for joining me for another edition of our newsletter… and Happy Holidays! So many people start decorating for Christmas early, and I’m certainly one who tries to squeeze out every minute of enjoyment from holiday festivities, but it feels like we went from Halloween right to Christmas, and now the countdown is on… literally!
Let’s face it, the holiday season can be challenging, and even though this might be one of the most normal we’ve seen in a few years (if normal is even a thing anymore,) the holidays are definitely a time of jam-packed activities, obligations, and to-do lists that seem to grow on a daily basis! The stress of buying gifts and traveling on top of working and taking care of family or being a caregiver for a loved one is A LOT. But, at the same time, the holidays also provide those pockets of clarity where we stand still for a moment or two and watch the craziness around us, which can really catch our emotions off guard.
The loss of a loved one may be heightened, or the guilt of not visiting mom as much as you should or being able to do enough for dad. We’re all so good at being busy these days that those moments of slowing down just get to us. If this sounds familiar, you are definitely not alone. And, if you have had a couple of those moments or know you’re prone to them, I want you to try and remember this, be in the moment. Put away the guilt about what you haven’t been able to do, and don’t try to make this the time when you fix all the problems. That’s what next year and New Year’s Resolutions are for! Right now, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, take a deep breath and remind yourself to enjoy this time of year and the spirit of the holidays. Make the absolute most out of this time with your friends, family, and loved ones. Give them extra hugs and all the attention you can because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
In this month’s newsletter, I’m excited to introduce you to two more new team members that round out our staffing growth this year. Our team is also proud to share some extra holiday planning tips for those of you who have family members in long-term care. These hit home for me as my family is adjusting to our first holiday season with my father in long-term care.
I hope that no matter what your plans are for the holidays, you can step back and take a moment to truly enjoy the reason for the season. Thank you again for all that you do for the older adults and adults with disabilities in our community. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out or have them contact our team by calling 925.658.2070.
From all of us at Empowered Aging, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a safe and healthy New Year.
Best wishes,
Susannah Meyer
Executive Director
Holiday Planning Tips
Whether your loved one has been in long-term care for a while or this is their first year, the holidays and planning for them can be a stressful time of year. Celebrations and events will always look a little different; for many, that can be challenging to accept. But rather than mourning the loss of seasons and traditions past, it’s a time to lift loved ones up and start making new memories. Here are some tips to help you and your family make the most of the holiday season with a loved one in long-term care.
1. Make Sure Your Loved One Feels Included
The holidays should be a fun and festive time of year, but let’s be honest, they also come with added stress due to all the planning and preparation required. This presents a great opportunity to spend time with your elderly loved one while getting a few extra tasks checked off your holiday to-do list. How? Have them help you! Whether it’s gift wrapping, getting Christmas cards ready for the mailman, helping decorate, or cooking, a holiday-related task will help them feel needed and help remove some of the negative emotions they may have.
2. Small Gestures Make a Big Difference
It’s important to remember that small gestures can make significant impact. Being away from the family home and “normal” holiday traditions can be hard to cope with. The simple act of sending a Christmas card, a special gift, and bringing some of the traditions to them can make all the difference. Even if you can’t bring mom, dad, or Aunt Judy home, these actions are a reminder of how much you care and appreciate them.
3. Create a Visiting Calendar
As much as our elderly loved ones want to be involved, socializing can be taxing. Setting up a family visitor calendar can help spread the holiday cheer in smaller doses and give you and your loved one something to look forward to.
4. Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Talk to your parents or elderly loved one about the holidays and what spending them in long-term care might look like. Acknowledging the changes may help your family member process what’s going on and encourage them to speak out about their feelings, wants, and needs. You may learn some new things about them and better understand how you can help them feel included every day and not just during the holidays. They may also appreciate hearing from you how much you’ll miss certain traditions too, or that you’re just missing them.
5. Encourage Them to Stay Involved
Long-term care communities offer a variety of events and activities to provide residents with a fulfilling holiday season. Review the calendar with your parents or loved ones and encourage them to get involved and stay active. And why not plan on joining them?!
6. Don’t Forget to Take Care of You
Although it may feel required, you don’t have to be the holiday superhero. Don’t be afraid to talk to your friends and family and let them take on some necessary holiday planning, preparation, or caregiving. Take a break when you feel stressed and just enjoy being surrounded by those you love most, no matter where you may be.
Despite all the demands and changes of the season, you can still enjoy this special time of year. Flexibility, advanced planning, and an open mind will go a long way.
Need help getting connected with other resources? We are here to help. Get in touch with our team by calling 925.658.2070 or visiting EmpoweredAging.org for more information.
Help Us Welcome Our New Regional Supervisors, Jenny Wilcox and Jacob Branson
2022 has been a year of growth, transition, and change for Empowered Aging. “It is such a thrill to see our team continue to flourish with new faces who are passionate about driving our mission forward,” said Executive Director Susannah Meyer. “So, as we finish out the year and welcome a new one, we hope you will join us in welcoming two new Regional Ombudsman Supervisors, Jenny Wilcox in Contra Costa and Jacob Bronson in Alameda.”
Meet Jenny
Jenny comes to Empowered Aging with over six years of experience working with adults and aging adults with developmental disabilities. During her tenure at the Adaptive Learning Center, Jenny proudly served as a member of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Workforce Committee. In this role, she was an advocate at the state and local levels for efforts and initiatives that focused on client rights, stabilizing the DSP workforce, equitable compensation, and adequate training and resources for the daily services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities. Jenny’s passion and commitment to supporting underserved populations surpass her daily work life. She has served as a volunteer hospice caregiver and also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Contra Costa Shelter Inc, and STAND for Families Free of Violence.
“I am passionate about advocating for our most vulnerable populations,” Jenny said, “and being a voice for people who are often overlooked and underrepresented. It’s an honor to join the Empowered Aging team where I can support even more older adults and adults with disabilities and be of service in my community.”
Meet Jacob
Say hello to San Joaquin Valley native, Jacob Bronson. For more than 15 years, Jacob has collaborated with service organizations and community leaders to break down stigma and open doors of opportunity for those most vulnerable. He began his advocacy and empowerment journey by developing inclusive performing arts opportunities for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has also worked as a Patients’ Rights Advocate, which enabled him to assist in defending the rights and expressed interest of individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Before joining Empowered Aging, Jacob held the role of Person-Centered Planning Coordinator with Social Vocational Service. In this role, he supported service-based organizations in the developmental planning and programming phase to better align services with the wants and needs of clients.
“I have had the tremendous honor of spearheading numerous change initiatives aimed at reshaping culture and attitudes towards underserved populations,” said Jacob. “One of the things I love about Empowered Aging, and why I’m so excited to be on the team, is because they are always driving more and more innovation in the elder care community.”
Outside of his nonprofit work, Jacob is an accomplished singer and actor, receiving several awards and accolades as a performer. Most recently, Jacob was seen onstage at the American Conservatory Theatre.
Volunteers Needed! Join Our Team of Change Makers
Empowered Aging volunteers come together from all walks of life to help protect the rights and quality of life of older adults and adults with disabilities in our communities. Our mission to educate, spread awareness, and build a strong journey in aging for all would not be possible without the many individuals who dedicate their time. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our amazing team of volunteers, please visit EmpoweredAging.org/Get-Involved.
Change a Senior’s Life This Holiday Season
On behalf of our partners, clients, supporters, and friends, Empowered Aging would like to say thank you to all who have contributed this year, changing the way our organization tackles the challenges that face older adults and adults with disabilities, like ageism, loneliness and social isolation, elder abuse, neglect, and more. If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas present this year, why not spread the joy a little further with a donation to Empowered Aging today. Your gift will let a senior know that they aren’t forgotten this holiday season. Donate Today!
