Category: aging gracefully

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New Beginnings for Summer

 

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It’s hard to believe it’s August already.  My how time flies. It has been a busy summer.  Trust you are getting in some relaxation, some” time outs” and managing your time of self care more effectively.

 

If your summer activities have been limited, take the time to participate and engage in something that is fun for you and simple to do.  Some ideas are summer concerts.  Many parks anphoto (11)d beaches have free concerts and free movies.  Grab a blanket, some of the wonderful fruits and vegetables that are readily available during the summer months, share with some friends and family and enjoy. You deserve this special treat for yourself.

Are you a panicking Paul or a worried Wanda?  I shared many ideas and tips to overcome the stressful and overwhelming day to day activities that can become a normal part of the life of caregivers during a presentation on June 28th with  as a presenter with an estate planning attorney.

My Aging Gracefully presentation was a real hit with the community.  The discussion went from being “fabulous at 50 to being a novel 90.  How are you Aging Gracefully?

Some upcoming activities are listed below.  Tell your friends or those you know who can use the services.  Remember it’s all about “self care”.

First Tuesdays is another lifestyle presentation that starts on August 5th with a preview call.  Each month a new topic is discussed that is relevant to self-care and baby boomers.  Join us on the August 5th preview call at 712 432 1212; access code 725 356 151.   August is Aging Gracefully.

  • September  Self Care
  • October  Sibling Rivalry
  • November  Grief Support
  • December  Caregiving During the Holidays

September is filled with activities.  On September 13th, our second annual Standing UP for Caregivers.  It is an afternoon filled with wonderful surprises for your self care.  Relaxation, great and nutritious food, soothing music and art are included in this special afternoon. Sign up today. Call me for more information.  310 673 3349

September 26th-29th  Sail with New Beginnings and Getting My Pretty Back for an action packed, fun filled and thought provoking weekend cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines. This conference will allow you to get in touch with your divine destination.  It’s all about you. for more information on the cruise, contact Paul Saunders at 800 8193902 ext 85189.

Most importantly, take the time out TODAY to do something special for yourself.  You deserve it and You matter.

Joy and light,

Angela

310 673 3349

[email protected]

 

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Remembering When

caregiver_02mother daughter_aaI recently returned to the place of my childhood to visit family members. While there, I thought I would venture out to see older community members for great stories and for the unity that it brings.
Prior to my visit I found out a neighbor had been placed in a nursing facility due to a fall. How often do the aged suffer from falls? Many family members are not aware of “aging in place” . This allows family members to remain in their homes with proper adjustments — removing throw rugs to avoid slipping, placing grab bars on bathtubs, installing higher toilet seats, changing out dim light fixtures for brighter ones are just a few simple measures to make living at home longer easier for everyone.
I remember youthful visits to the Collins’ home. This was a large family. There always seemed to be treats available. Fresh homemade bread and delicious fruits in the summer. This one one of my favorite places to spend summer afternoons sitting on the porch or playing a game of softball or hopscotch.
After spending many years caring for her ailing husband, Mrs. Collins now needed someone to care for her. During all those years, she was providing the necessary care for him, only to neglect caring for herself.
Her health has been greatly compromised — failing kidneys requiring constant dialysis. The fall left her with a fractured pelvic bone. There is also some cognitive impairment.  I wondered if she really remembered me.
After learning of what I call a tragedy, I focused on remembering when she allowed me to come into her home and have lunch, dinner or snacks with her children. She knew I was a lonely kid and needed the companionship of her children. I asked her about the homemade bread. She told me “it’s a lot easier to buy it now”. I thought, It certainly does not taste the same. I remember when …
As our loved ones continue to care for others, let us remember to remind, encourage them to take the time to care for themselves. It will make everyone’s life better and easier.
If you have questions about caring for yourself as you care for others, give me a call for a coaching session. It’s an investment in you and your health and well-being. Because I know caregivers need, deserve and want care.
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To Be Happy

During an Aging Gracefully presentation, one of the participants mentioned illness could prevent people from being happy. This lady was 84 years young. She looked 70. She seemed cheerful, happy and satisfied. As I continued with audience participation, I found out she had a terminal illness and was facing challenges dealing with it. Should we always expect to be happy? Is is easier for us to tell others to be happy under most circumstances? Later I shared focusing on the present, the right now, this moment. I think she understood. Will she continue to focus on what’s to come or will she continue to live the life that is still coming to her each day? How do we accept and embrace change? Our lives are always changing. Let’s find the little nuggets that cause some happiness.