Quarterly Newsletter - Spring 2021 |
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From the Desk of Janice
Spring- Fresh beginnings
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Dear Caregivers,
Have you ever noticed how amazing it is when a crocus suddenly appears, through the snow? It just seems so odd to me, they seem so opposite. Over the course of winter we become accustomed to the black and white of wintertime and starving for color! We want to see purple, and green, yellow and red, every color of the rainbow!
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Then little by little, our world blooms again into full color. Springtime is a time of renewal, and fresh beginnings. Just like the little crocus it is time for us to cut through the snow and rejuvenate ourselves, a fresh start. A time to let go of worries we have no control over and start anew, and know that things will get better. Throw out our “baggage” that no longer serves us. Let us do whatever it takes to bring the color back to life within us. |
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Janice Howard, Cornerstone VNA Life Care-Private Duty Director
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Blast from the past…
Sears Spring Catalog 1950
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They say laughter is the best medicine... |
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A very special thank you... |
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Thank you to all of who attended our 2021 Caregivers Connect Event with our Keynote Speaker Dr. Aaron Blight. Dr. Blight, as both a professional speaker on caregiving & a family caregiver himself, shared his insight and passion in caregiving. We hope it has helped you on your journey as a caregiver.
Continued reading for a special follow-up event in April with Dr. Blight!
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Caregiver Resources & Support News from Ann |
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Featured Follow-Up Caregiver Support - April 9 |
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Dr. Blight has graciously offered to host a follow-up virtual gathering as an opportunity for all of you to share your thoughts after reading his book. This special book discussion will take place on Friday, April 9th, from 10am – 11am.
Please email Ann to RSVP and to receive the meeting link.
If you would like to read "When Caregiving Calls" we have a few copies left, please contact Ann to request a copy.
Many thanks to our underwriter, First Seacoast Bank for supporting our annual Caregivers Connect event!
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Sharing Caregiver to Caregiver Resources |
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"From caring comes courage." - Lao Tzu
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If you have a resource that has helped you in your caregiver journey, please email it to Ann so that we can share it next time!
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At the last Caregiver Café, we spoke about mantras as a way of alleviating stress. One of our caregivers, Jeanmarie, shared hers as well as relaxation tips with you below.
Mantra:
"I am emotionally strong enough to handle this. This moment does not define me."
Things I do to help me relax, focus or re-focus, or decompress:
Relax:
- Grounding techniques
- Meditation
- Massage chair
- Look at art or nature
Focus:
- Standing Prayer Pose (Yoga)
- Fingertip tapping
- Walk in a very tight circle (making sure to switch direction)
Re-Focus:
- Listen to positive affirmations
- Read: Self improvement books if I'm beating myself up, Technical information to activate a different part of my brain, etc.
- Organize something
- Clean something
Decompress:
- Read: entertainment book (fiction, poetry, short story)
- Movie: Netflix
- Online: Facebook (avoiding ALL societal and political posts), YouTube funny videos usually of animals
- Video Games: set a timer to monitor yourself
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Another caregiver, Cathy, recommends this hands free touch light for nighttime wandering.
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Cornerstone VNA Virtual Caregiver Café
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April Featured Caregiver Cafe Speaker - Katie Michaud, MS, OTR/L
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At the last Caregiver Café, a virtual speaker was requested on positive reinforcement of behaviors to learn strategies you can use individually or in combination with other approaches to aid in the care of your loved one. We have arranged for a member of our Behavioral Health Team to speak to you on April 28 at the monthly Caregiver Café.
Katie Michaud, MS, OTR/L
Katie is an Occupational Therapist and Home Care Team Manager at Cornerstone VNA. Katie has been with Cornerstone VNA since 2013. She graduated with her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of NE in 2009. Katie is the head of the Behavioral Health Team at Cornerstone VNA and has specific training and background in Dementia, Mental Health Disorders, and has attended and completed Dementia training through the Homecare, Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance of NH. Katie has a passion for educating caregivers and providing them with information to assist them in bettering the lives of their family members and friends living with Dementia.
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To receive your virtual meeting link, contact Ann at 603-994-6941 or send an email.
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Stay safe and well...
Ann
Ann Vennard
Assistant Director of Advancement
603-994-6941
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Caregiver Wellness Tips from Sandy |
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Sandy Powers, RN, Wellness Nurse |
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Sandy is super busy and on the road this month with community clinics and administering the COVID-19 vaccine to patients who are home bound!
She sends her best wishes to y'all!
You can read all about our vaccine visits on our latest blog post here. |
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Your Local Nonprofit.
Recognized for Excellence.
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Home Care. Hospice Care. Palliative Care. Life Care - Private Duty. Community Care. |
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Cornerstone VNA | Website | 800-691-1133
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