GUEST EDITORIAL
Thank you for flying with us today, ladies and gentlemen. In the event of an emergency, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask first before assisting the other person.
As I settled into my seat for a return flight to Southwest Florida last summer, a thought occurred to me: Caregivers need to heed this very same advice. Even when faced with the serious illness of a loved one, it’s important to pay attention to your own mental and physical health. How can you be an effective caregiver if you feel depleted in mind, body and spirit?
There are no medals for caregiving. But there should be! Being a family caregiver is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Typically, when a caregiver calls Hope Healthcare, they have reached a point where they are emotionally and physically drained from the stress of caring for a loved one. It’s stressful for everyone involved, but no matter how hard we try or how much we are committed—caregiving is often not a battle that can be won alone. It’s important to be prepared by knowing what help is available, and then asking for the help you need—from other family members, friends and neighbors, your church, and community resources. Caregivers need to remember to take care of themselves first so they can better help their loved one.
Countless times, I’ve heard a caregiver say “I wish we’d asked for help sooner.” Hope guides caregivers though the practical tools they need to care for their loved ones, and we also support caregivers by encouraging them to take advantage of respite care. Why not take a yoga class and find a moment of Zen, or go to the park and watch the birds? Or schedule that checkup you’ve been postponing. Our monthly Self-Care and Stress Relief group is also a wonderful opportunity to discover ways to nourish your spirit and increase your energy. Here, caregivers find comfort and peace of mind during times of str ess and anxiety, along with the tools they need for ongoing self-care to improve their health and wellness.
The hospice philosophy is to relieve suffering physically, mentally, spiritually and make recipients more comfortable. We’ve learned through our years of experience offering hospice care that it can also help caregivers and those under stress find the support and encouragement to go on both before and after loss. Help is here when you need it most to help improve quality of life and find peace and fulfillment—for both caregivers and their loved ones.
In this issue, you’ll find a special Health & Wellness section with information to help you and your family stay healthy and safe. Articles cover the changing world of telemedicine, tips to help you maintain good health, a cancer survivor’s story and more.