March 2022
Self-Care for Caregivers
Self-care is a good idea on its own whether you are caregiving or not. But, if you are a caregiver, self-care becomes even more important.

Caregivers who take care of their own physical and emotional health are better able to handle the challenges of caring for someone else. The physical and emotional demands of caring for someone with a serious illness can be exhausting. It can even lead to burn out. It is critical for the caregiver, and the care recipient, that the situation doesn’t reach burnout.

Self-care is talked about so much but a lot of us don’t know what exactly it means. Is it simply taking a bubble bath (an excellent idea) or is there a deeper meaning? The answer is “yes.”

Self-care can be as simple as taking a moment outside and taking a deep breath, or it can be working on the self-awareness to understand the emotions that caregiving brings and how they are affecting you. Below are some tips to help avoid burnout and stay healthy for yourself and the person for whom you are caring.
 
  • Watch for signs of stress, such as impatience, loss of appetite or difficulty with sleep, concentration, or memory. Pay attention to changes in your mood, a loss of interest in usual activities, or an inability to accomplish usual tasks. If you notice any of these, ask for help, and take some time for yourself and your own needs.
 
  • Work on keeping lines of communication open between you, your loved one, extended friends and family, and your healthcare team.
 
  • It is hard sometimes to eat a well-balanced diet. Do the best you can. It will give you more energy and help you feel batter. And remember to drink enough water.
 
  • No one is going to take as good care of your loved one than you. But, that doesn’t mean that someone else can’t do a really good job. Accept help when offered - or ask for help. And, then go do something that is meaningful to you or that you used to find really fun. Maybe make plans with friends to go on an outing and trust that your person is being well cared for.
 
  • Be OK with not being super human. Does it matter that you didn’t dust today? No. The dust will be there tomorrow. Don’t overload yourself with daily tasks. Get sleep when you can.
 
  • If you are able, get regular exercise. Remember that most of the word “emotion” is the word “motion.” Sometimes, in order to process these really big emotions, you literally have to move in some way. Take a walk. Wiggle your arms…do a little dance…participate in yoga.
 
  • Remember to give yourself credit. What you do is important.
 
If you feel isolated and stressed, if it is difficult to think about where help may come from, and if you just need a save space to be heard, please give the Edel Caregiver Institute a call.

Our support groups and individual consultations are designed to assist with your unique caregiving needs and concerns. There is no charge to be a part of our open groups, offering opportunities to share and be heard, as well as to listen and support. The mission of the Edel Caregiver Institute is to support you, the caregiver, as you support your loved one.
 
No matter the diagnosis or stage of the diagnosis, we are here to offer help with finding resources and provide emotional support throughout your caregiving journey.

If you are a family caregiver in need of emotional support, assistance finding resources, or would like to learn more about the Edel Caregiver Institute, please reach out to the Edel Caregiver Institute at (912) 629-1331 or visit our website by clicking on the green button below.

Camp Aloha 2022
After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, Hospice Savannah’s Full Circle Grief and Loss counselors and volunteers will facilitate Camp Aloha, a weekend overnight camp for children ages 6 to 17 years old, who have experienced the death of a loved one within the past 24 months.

These caring professionals provide therapeutic activities to teach the children that they are not alone in their grief experience. Campers enjoy swimming, sports, games, group therapy sessions, campfires, signing, playing, and making new friends who have also experienced loss.

Camp Aloha will run from the evening of Friday, April 29, through the morning on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Transportation is provided to and from New Ebenezer Retreat in Rincon, and camp costs are underwritten by community donations and a generous sponsorship from Southern Motors. There is a nominal $25 registration fee, which can be waived for those who may need a scholarship.

The applications for both campers and to volunteer are available on our website. You may also call Full Circle Bereavement Counselors at (912) 303-9442, if you have any questions.
Each year on the Friday before Mother's Day, we take time to both honor our mothers and to support one of our most beloved programs. It's always a wonderful event and we hope you'll join us this year!

Proceeds from this elegant and wonderfully moving luncheon support Hospice Savannah's Story Keeping program, one of our Healing Arts. Story Keeping gathers memories and life stories from our patients for their loved ones to cherish for generations to come. No other hospice in this area offers such a meaningful way to honor and remember the significant moments in someone's life.

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating our mothers, and the women who helped to raise us, on the patio at the Palmetto Club at The Landings.

1352 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 355-2289