The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing others' loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays. ~ W.C. Jones~
Over the last several months, you may have seen public figures reveal their personal stories with Alzheimer's. One of those is Dr. Oz, a famous and renowned surgeon who is now in the 10th season of his own talk show. He recently revealed his beloved mother was diagnosed and it came as a shock to him, especially as he is experienced in the medical field. However, he had not recognized the signs, which is very common for family members and has been the cause for him and so many others feeling much guilt, fear and loss.
It is no surprise that during the holiday season, there are more flus and colds spreading around, not only due to the pesky germs but in great part, due to our weakened immune systems.
Why?
Well, as caregivers, we tend to "run on empty".
It is VERY easy to put everyone else at the top of the list while our own needs get pushed to the bottom. At the bottom of this list is where we find our own diminished needs that we don’t have the strength to fulfill and we get run down.
Remember this general rule:
Take care of yourself first...
Isn’t that selfish?
If you don’t take care of YOU first, then you will be in no shape to take care of others in the manner that they may require. Take a look at these helpful hints on ways to get through the holidays while still maintaining good spirit and good health!
The Center (Senior Center in Kennebunk) offers grief counseling every week.
Grief Support at The Center- Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.
We all have or will lose someone we love. As we age, loss becomes a more common experience and the grief that comes with it becomes a part of us. Self-care at this time includes having the support of others experiencing grief. Carol MacLeod, a retired advanced practiced nurse in psychiatry, has background in this area and leads the group.
The Grief Support Space is sponsored by the Bibber Family and Bibber Memorial Chapel. The Center is grateful for their support and Carol's leadership of this program that helps many.
