Be STRONG enough to stand alone,
SMART enough to know when you need help,
and BRAVE enough to ask for it.
I don’t know who to credit for these three lines of advice, but these words keep resonating in my mind. The message is simple, yet strong. And caregivers, when we need help, we need to be brave enough to ask for it, and then receive it.
Yet, what kind of help is available? Oftentimes, we don’t even know. That’s why learning about your community’s caregiver resources can make all the difference while you serve as a caregiver.
For example, in the Southern California area, the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging / Senior Center is holding their annual Caregiver Resources conference. That’s what they call it. No theme. Just resources. And that’s what’s so integral to being BRAVE enough to ask for help. Representatives will be on hand to share resources available in the community.
And they’ve invited me to speak! My message?
I’m a Caregiver and I Matter
Finding the JOY in Caregiving
You are a master of story who entertained the audience by weaving humor into your tale…
I would absolutely recommend you to anyone in need of an animated, humorous, and heartfelt spokesperson.
—SuzAnn Nelsen, Director of Supportive Services
Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, California
If you’re in the Southern California area. join us from 8:30am until 1:00pm at the University Center at the College of the Canyons. I’ll be speaking at 11:00am and I promise to leave you with a memorable experience. For more information contact SuzAnn Nelsen at 661-259-9444.
I wish I was in Southern California. I would be there. Actually I’m too busy removing the clutter!
DOn
Removing clutter is good, too, Don. It’s both a diversion from caregiving while reflecting and reduces the stress from asking, “What do I do with all this stuff?” 😉