Hello Friends,
Happy July! Summer is in full swing, and we are excited to see our community enjoying time with family and friends. While more in-person gatherings are happening, we continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and maintain vigilance and infection control best practices.
Many exciting things have been happing here at Empowered Aging, that’s right, EMPOWERED AGING! It feels great to say that–our new name. With this transition, we are thrilled to fully embrace all of our programs and the true evolution of an organization that answers the challenges and needs of our time that directly impact older adults and adults with disabilities. If there is one thing COVID has shown us, is just how vulnerable this community is. We are the only connection, the only engagement, and the only voice of support and advocacy for so many.
In this month’s newsletter, we’ll be introducing some more of our team members who make the magic happen and learn more about what Empowered Aging means to them. We will also be sharing an exciting update about the growth of one of our programs and more information about volunteer opportunities. I hope you will continue to read on and encourage you to share these opportunities and openings with your networks as well.
I would also love for you to stay in touch with me by downloading my contact information below and adding it straight to your phone. If you need help, know of someone interested in supporting our mission, or would like to get in touch with my team and me about educational speaking engagements, this is one of the quickest ways to do it.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and thank you for all that you do.
Best wishes,
Nicole Howell
Executive Director
Family caregiving is no easy task, and the last year especially hasn’t made it any easier. Since the pandemic began, several new tools are popping up that caregivers rely on and find value in. And if you guessed they are mostly online resources, then you guessed right. A variety of virtual caregiving consulting tools, family care counseling and free monthly webinars have restored peace of mind for many. We’re even seeing established organizations like AARP expanding their virtual offerings. However, as we’re starting to see more and more in-person meetings and family reunions take place, many families are still struggling with keeping loved ones safe and moving forward in a truly new era of caregiving. Here are a few tips to help you take the next steps.
- Stop fretting over whether you’re doing enough. Instead, take a step back and ask yourself if you’re doing the best you can do. If the answer is yes, then leave it at that. Remember, you can’t change everything, and sometimes be there is enough.
- Don’t forget to communicate… clearly! As you may know, caregiving requires a lot of traveling, appointments, care management schedules, and more. So make sure you are attentively listening and talking things out. Say what you mean and mean what you say, even if someone else disagrees.
- If possible, share responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help and delegate tasks to other available family members. Even if it’s asking them to make a few calls, do some online research, or pick up a few groceries while they are at the store.
Keep things simple and try to see them for what they are. You are not alone out there. If you have questions or need help finding resources, please contact our team by calling 925.685.2070.
