families and care givers newsletter

[Guest guest]

Holiday Challenge: Build New Traditions

Traditions. The best of them bring us comfort and joy- sometimes. Have

you ever found yourself up past midnight making cookies? How about that

last minute shopping long after work and cooking dinner? " But we've always

done it this way. " may in fact be the very words that hamper our

flexibility, especially when current circumstances in our lives demand

accommodation.

If our family's special occasions, holidays and family traditions bring

more stress than joy, perhaps it is time to examine our own motives and

actions. Let us give ourselves permission to adapt and construct new

customs. One such example would be to bring a party to an elderly relative,

instead of taking them out. Another idea: rather than wearing yourself out

shopping, cooking, entertaining and caring for a loved one, how about. now

hold on.asking for help!

Caregivers are very special people. We are problem solvers, creative

thinkers, and most of all-we want to help our special ones feel enlivened

and appreciated. A caregiver's inclination to include a frail family member

in traditional gatherings, especially at the holidays, seems to make perfect

sense. Wouldn't they want to be with us? Why should everything not be just

as it was in the past?

What pressure! Instead, stand back and try to examine the logistics of

your holiday. Are your plans really in the best interest of the person

needing the special arrangements? Will your loved one be comfortable

through the day? Will she/he be exposed to many people, any one of whom

might be carrying a virus or flu bug? Will you be able to manage?

In the end, sharing time and love is what the holidays should be about.

Think creatively. Be the leader who knows that changing course is not

losing. In the end, everyone wins.

Drop us a line, we are always interested in your thoughts.

Wishing you a season filled

with love,

René Cantwell

rene@...

FOLO's Respite Awareness Campaign offers opportunities to providers of

services to reach professionals with CEUs: Seeking host facility for course

presentation of:

The Return Home Creative and innovative discharge planning, including

Respite Options

Contact rene@... for details

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The newsletter and magazine designed to bring families together to maintain

optimum quality of life through investigation, inspiration, planning and

advocacy.

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