When a caregiver’s LIFE grows too overwhelming and stressful, it’s time to step away.
What’s one guilt-free way to take a break from hands-on caregiving?
Take a one-day sabbatical!
University professors take months off!
Leading Silicon Valley companies encourage employees to redirect time from “work” to other creative pursuits.
Caregivers deserve a sabbatical, too!
Caregiver Respite
When caregivers need time away from caregiving, it’s called “caregiver respite.”
There’s no better time to attend a caregiver conference. It’s a guilt-free day to connect with those who understand because they walk a similar path. You’ll learn new things and be a better caregiver. Yeah! You’re investing in yourself and your care recipient! NO GUILT for being away!
In November, the U.S. celebrates National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
And what better place to celebrate than in the Midwest – specifically, the Dairy State!
I’m serious! Yep, ON WISCONSIN. Home of the Packers and Brewers.
You’ll enjoy fine Wisconsin cheese and cheese curds! Pop ’em in your mouth. You know they’re fresh, because as you chew, they squeak! Don’t forget the deep-fried cheese curds – melt-in-your-mouth crispy goodness!
Pants with spandex are a Godsend for opportunities like these!
Among these heavenly delights are three conferences for family caregivers and professionals – two in the Northwoods and one in Wisconsin Dells.
Caregiver respite… bring it on!
I know, because I have the pleasure of presenting two keynotes and six workshops at these conferences. KEY LEARNING POINTS include – how to communicate to gets results; how to connect meaningfully with care-team members and people with dementia; purposeful activities that engage; self-awareness for balancing self-preservation and care with HUMOR.
We must take care of ourselves to build-up reserves for laughter. We will learn strategies to reduce the negatives – overwhelm, stress, and depression.
Thank you, Mary VR, Janine D, Nathanael B, Linda S, Kris M, and Deb S for rescuing me from long days at the computer. I plan to work hard for you and together we’ll achieve stellar results with sprinkles of FUN!
The Funny Part?
I’ve asked to stay three nights at a residential care home. Who does that? Speakers typically prefer a hotel. (They offered me a hotel.) I’m presenting at Bell Tower Residence [TCV Update 3/3/2023: URL]to an audience of mostly professionals attending to earn their CEUs. How can I speak to one of the continuum-of-care options without living it… for a few days?
Honestly, I’m a bit nervous. Will my neighbors be friendly? Will they accept me? Will people smile and not stare when I show up for breakfast? I even started looking at the activity calendar and the menu!
Afterward, it’s off to Ogema in Price County. I’ll be staying at a cabin. Rural life in the Northwoods is a lot different than rural living in Los Angeles County. Still, I’ll hike up to the top of Timm’s Hill, the highest point in Wisconsin at 1,951 feet. I hope it’s not raining or snowing. It’ll be much colder than I’m used to. A meal of lightly breaded largemouth bass would be a fitting finish for a hike in freezing weather!
There are FUN times to be had while learning new things at conferences!
I always learn something new. I’ve made a massive investment of time. I plan to take advantage of the resources available. You need to do the same whether you’re the headliner or an attendee.
Next it’s the FOCUS conference 2018 for Mental Health Professionals [TCV Update 2/14/2022 URL no longer available] at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. I didn’t know this site has one of America’s largest indoor water parks. YESSSSS! FUN times ahead!
Then it’s a bit of catching up and FUN with family and friends before I catch my flight to Los Angeles.
Bottom Lines
Take time to attend a conference in your area.
Doing so will reenergize you with creative caregiving ideas and a well-deserved caregiver respite.
