DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDE

Dec 2

☃️ Happy Saturday, #Caregivers ☃️

As we embrace the crisp morning of this beautiful December, many of us are already bustling with plans, jotting down tasks and ensuring everything is perfect. ✅ But amidst this flurry of activity, I want to gently remind each of you: take a moment to breathe and embrace the season`s joy. Remember, it`s okay not to do it all. Everything will fall into place.

Remember that peace can be found in the simplest things for those with a loved one in the hospital or receiving care at home. Creating a serene oasis, even in just one corner of your home, can be a sanctuary for your heart and mind. Let this space be your haven to retreat, reflect, and rejuvenate.

And if you can, step outside for a moment. Let the serene dance of snowflakes remind you of life`s simple, magical wonders. There`s something truly enchanting about watching the world transform under a blanket of snow – it`s a reminder of nature`s quiet strength, much like your own.

During this holiday season, amidst the challenges and care you so lovingly give, don`t forget to care for yourself, too. You are the unsung heroes, the quiet strength behind every warm smile and gentle touch.
Stay strong, inspired, and, most importantly, be kind to yourself. You are doing an incredible job. ❄️💙 ...

4 1

Dec 1

Your Guide to Surviving & Thriving 🎄

I don`t know about you, but I often run around like a headless chicken during the holidays! 🐔💨 It`s like being a squirrel, constantly jumping from one task to another. 🐿️🌲 Wrapping gifts 🎁, checking the soup on the stove 🍲, and then, oh! The doorbell rings! 🚪🔔 It`s a three-ring circus! 🎪

Let`s take a deep breath and figure this out together. How can we enjoy the holidays without going wild? 🤔🎉 Especially for those juggling kids and aging parents – it`s double the challenge but also double the joy! 👶👴👵

Here are five tips to help you not just survive but THRIVE this festive season: 🌟

1. Stay Calm – Remember, peace starts with you. 🧘‍♀️✌️
2. One Thing at a Time – Focus on completing one task before jumping to the next. 🎯👍
3. Be Kind – A little kindness goes a long way. It lifts your spirit and those around you. 💖🌈
4. Create Lists & Plan – Organize your tasks. Lists are lifesavers! 📝👌
5. Embrace the Season – Feel the crisp air, enjoy the scents, and appreciate all the good in your life. 🍂🕯️❤️

Let`s make this holiday season memorable, filled with love, laughter, and a bit of well-deserved relaxation! 🎅🎉👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ...

3 2

Nov 30

🎄The Night Before Christmas🎄

What`s in a snow globe? Whenever I peer into this wonderous object, I think about my mom. 💕

It takes me back to cold winter nights, the smell of pine from a living Christmas tree, and running around with a book of matches lighting every votive candle in the house.

"Mom, is it time to light the candles?" I would ask. 🕯 She grinned, " Not quite; wait until dark, and be careful around the angel hair." My mind wandered as I sat looking due west in anticipation of the setting sun. I could not wait for Christmas day. 🎄

My mom made Christmas special for us. After all, it was her favorite holiday. 🎁

I will always be grateful for her generosity and sacrifice. I think of her often, and this little snow globe somehow makes me feel at home. ❄️

It also reminds me of hearing someone living with a dementia-related illness saying, "I want to go home." This is a common statement, even when the person is at home. 🏡

I can`t tell you how often I have heard family and professional caregivers do everything they can to convince the person they are home. A better idea is to figure out what they have in mind. It could be their childhood home; for others, it could be completely different. You have to be a detective before jumping into correcting the person. Ask them to tell you about their home. 🕵️‍♀️That allows you to figure out where they are at this moment in time. ⏰

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." - John Quincy Adams. ✨

Wishing you all a joyous and meaningful holiday season! 🎉 Let me know in the comments if this reminded you of any special holiday memories. ...

5 1

Nov 28

🚨 Alert from The Devoted Daughter 🚨

🔍 Stay Vigilant Against Gift Card Scams!

With the holiday season in full swing, gift card scams are rising. Yes, it`s a topic we must examine more openly and frequently. In 2022 alone, a staggering $228 billion was lost to these cunning scams.

❌ What You Need to Know:

The Scam Method: Scammers often pose as officials or impersonate someone in distress, pressuring you to buy gift cards as payment or aid.
The Red Flag: Remember, no legitimate organization or emergency requires payment via gift cards. It`s a definite red flag!
The Emotional Play: These scammers are skilled manipulators. They create scenarios that make you feel urgent, scared, or sympathetic. But it`s all a facade to deceive you.

🚔 Protecting Our Loved Ones:
As The Devoted Daughter, my heart goes out, especially to our seniors who are frequently targeted. Let`s make it our mission to educate and protect them from these scams.

💬 Normalizing the Conversation:
Let`s break the silence and stigma. Talk about it with your family, friends, and elderly loved ones. The more we know, the better we can protect each other.

📢 Spread the Word: Share this post to raise awareness. One share can save someone from a costly mistake.

Together, we can fight back against these scams. Stay informed, stay cautious, and let`s keep the conversation going.

💕 With care,
The Devoted Daughter

#ScamAwareness #GiftCardScams #ProtectOurElders #StayVigilant ...

8 2

Nov 23

Warm wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving🍂🦃🍂 ...

8 1

Nov 21

🍂 Embracing Tradition: Simplifying Thanksgiving 🦃

Thanksgiving, originally a harvest festival🍂, has evolved over centuries but remains a day for gratitude 🙏 and family gatherings. Yet somehow, most of us get lost in the sauce at some point. This year, let`s focus on family and the celebration, reminding ourselves of the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

For Caregivers: Simplifying the Celebration

Focus on Meaning, Not Magnitude: Remember, the spirit of Thanksgiving matters, not the scale. A small, intimate gathering can be just as special. 💖

Adapt Recipes for Ease and Health: Consider modifying traditional recipes for dietary needs and simplicity. This ensures everyone can enjoy the meal🥘 and reduces preparation stress.

Incorporate Storytelling: Encourage the sharing of stories, especially from older family members. This fosters a sense of belonging and honors the historical aspect of the holiday. 📚

Create Simple Traditions: Establish new, easy-to-manage traditions like a gratitude jar or a family photo 📸, which can be a treasure for years.

For Aging Family Members: Inclusivity and Comfort

Accessibility is Key: Ensure the environment is comfortable and accessible for older family members, including seating arrangements and restroom accessibility. ♿

Involve Them in Preparations: Involve them in light preparations depending on their ability. It can provide a sense of purpose and joy. 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Reminisce and Reflect: Spend time discussing their past Thanksgiving experiences. This honors their life experiences and connects the past with the present. 🕰️

Gratitude as a Unifying Theme: Encourage expressions of gratitude. This simple act can have profound emotional benefits for both the giver and the receiver. ❤️

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." – Melody Beattie.

Warm wishes to you and your family for a joyous holiday! ...

5 1

Nov 19