April News and Events
The most comprehensive center for family and professional caregiving.

Relaxation
by Shelly Slaczka

It is common knowledge that caregiving can be stressful. As caregivers we tend to be busy with so many things it is hard to make time for ourselves. Even though our schedules may be so full that we do not see how we can make time to relax, it is extremely important that we do. Stress can be a factor in many health-related issues such as heart disease, asthma, obesity, diabetes, headaches, depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, Alzheimer's disease, accelerated aging, and premature death. The good news is that making time to de-stress and relax does not have to take a lot of time and is simple. Here are some suggestions to help you relax: breathing techniques, visualization, massages, affirmations, journaling, aromatherapy, and exercise.

  • Breathing techniques that teach you to breathe deeply not only help reduce stress, but also can help lengthen your life and make you more healthy, happy, and productive.
  • Visualization is highly effective in reducing stress. As long as you are not driving, you can do this just about anywhere at any time.
  • We do not all have the time or money for a professional massage, but a little mini self-massage can do the trick as well. You can massage your hands or feet, use a massage gadget for your back, or look into other forms of self-massage.
  • Affirmations that help focus on your coping abilities when used in crises will help you remain calm and relaxed.
  • Journaling helps provide perspective. This will help you relax, focus, and stay grounded.
  • Aromatherapy relaxing fragrances tend to produce slower frequency brain waves and have anti-depressant properties when you smell them. This will help you deal better with stress.
  • When you are stressed your muscles tighten. A simple walk will improve your circulation. Stretching exercises will loosen muscles and help encourage deep breathing.

 
ABC11 is teaming up with contributor Nicole M. Clagett to provide you with support and resources for taking care of an aging loved one.

You can meet Nicole and other caregivers on our Facebook group 
here.

ABC11's Caregivers Corner is a place where you can connect with fellow people giving long term care to a loved one, be it a grandparent, parent or sibling. This group is moderated by ABC11 and Nicole. Please share this page and help connect caregivers with important content that will help them in their caregiving journey!


 
Thank you to everyone who volunteered and came out to show support at our Share to Care event in February and make it a successful event.  Your support will truly make a difference in the lives of so many.

 
HEALTH AFFAIRS ROUND TABLE

Next meeting on May 17, 2018
9:30 am - 11:00 am
You must become a member to attend.
 
Meeting Location:
7615 Six Forks Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
 
To register, click here or contact:
Shelly Slaczka
919-371-2062

The Transitions GuidingLights Caregiver Training Institute
Now enrolling students for our NA1 Program

We offer a robust 146-hour curriculum which exceeds the basic standards of the North Carolina State DHSR model. Our curriculum is innovative, 
NA1 students who graduated October 2015.
participatory and interactive, making the experience more thorough and more enjoyable for our students.  We also offer a career fair at the end of each course giving our students an opportunity to be placed in the caregiving field with one of our vetted vendor organizations.
*Clinical rotation is held at The Oaks of Mayview with additional experiential opportunity at SarahCare Adult DayCare and the Transitions LifeCare's William M. Dunlap Center for Caring (Hospice Home)* 

Do you have an amazing employee who would make a wonderful NA1?  If the answer to that question is "yes," consider sending them through our program as an investment in your organization.

Radio Show that Focuses on 
Aging Concerns
Did you know there is a radio show that can help you?

Aging Matters  
With co-hosts Jason Kong (WTPF), Cooper Linton (Transitions LifeCare) and Nicole Clagett (Transitions GuidingLights).  Airs Saturday evenings from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm on 680 WPTF. You may find the podcasts by clicking here.

If you have a caregiving question that you would love to have answered on air or if you have a topic you think we should cover please email: [email protected].





Do You Know Who I Am?
7.0 CEU Dementia Training
 
"Do You Know Who I Am?" is an Alzheimer's Disease training program for both family and professional caregivers. It is a participatory, interactive, and innovative approach to learning how to more  effectively  work with individuals with dementia, especially Alzheimer's. 
May 8, 2018
July 10, 2018
August 14, 2018
September 11, 2018
October 9, 2018

Transitions GuidingLights Caregiver Training Institute

The Transitions GuidingLights Caregiver Training Institute now offers the DHSR approved Nursing Assistant 1 (NA1) program.  We also have scholarships available to Raleigh residents who qualify.  For more information about this robust and interactive program, please click  here.
 
Information & Referral

Transitions GuidingLights is pleased to offer information and referrals to caregivers seeking resources for a loved one. Caregivers may drop in or call during regular business hours to receive personally tailored referrals to meet their specific care needs. Transitions GuidingLights provides referral services FREE of charge to family caregivers. Call (919) 371-2062 for help TODAY or  Click Here To Contact Us 

Awakening
Caring Matters
CPR/ AED

Transitions GuidingLights offers CPR, AED, and First Aid training.  This is a two year American Heart Association certification. Contact us if you would like to be certified.  
Interest In CPR

Awakening Program

The Awakening Program is a comprehensive life management program designed for individuals afflicted with dementia, especially Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

Caring Matters

Caring Matters is a 14 video series designed to educate you about the various aspects of caregiving.   Click Here For Videos

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Nurse
Caring Connections

Caring Connections is a weekly radio show for caregivers about caregiving.  This show has entered its third year of production and can be heard locally on WCHL.  All shows are also available via podcast by clicking 
  



Lending Library

The Transitions GuidingLights lending library houses hundreds of books to aid caregivers in their journey as well as books that will help you to prepare to care.  For your convenience we also have a complete listing of our titles online which can be found  here.



Skills Lab

Transitions GuidingLights has a skills lab available. Are you unsure of how to provide assistance with activities of daily living for a loved one? If so, contact us and we would be glad to set up an appointment with one of our nurses who will work with you to practice the skills you need to become a more confident caregiver. Contact us by clicking  here.

Thank You!! Community Partners
   
         
 
   
       
  
 


3739 National Drive, Suite 204, Raleigh, NC 27612 ยท 919.371.2062