Caregiver Tips August 2004

Rituals of Life

*Self Care Focus: Rituals of Life
**Words of Encouragement
***Book Award
****Reminders
*****Messages for Caregivers
******So Good I Want To Share It
*******Internet Sites 2Good2Miss
********Thank You
********* Self Care Tip
********** Share A Tip

There are many rituals in life. Most rituals can be joy-filled and stressful at the same time. Just reflect on births, new jobs, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations that mark special times in your life.

There is a very simple way to reduce the stress of rituals in your life. Begin with increased understanding that any ritual will be its best because of the people that are gathered for the celebration. A ritual is never about what you wear, how you look, or any of the details that can go wrong.

Make a promise to yourself to celebrate your rituals with an open heart and patience with the details. It is the promise and pledge of "I do." in the ceremony, not the flavor of the cake that makes the ritual of marriage sacred. It is the enduring love and respect of the anniversary, not the size or cost of the gift that makes the anniversary special. A hug or "Happy Birthday" sung off key can be the best present.

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Words of Encouragement

Do you remember when you were a child how much fun you had on rainy days making a fort out of kitchen chairs and a blanket? You haven't lost the ability to be creative with situations, you just need to remember your talents and adapt to the situation.

Imitate nature and bend like the willow tree. Enjoy how life provides challenges and situations so that you can use your creativity and talents. Live for each new day and the adventure that awaits you.

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Book Award

Diane, a caregiver from Catskill, New York, is the winner of When Someone You Love Needs Nursing Home, Assisted Living, or In-Home Care, by Robert F. Bornstein, Ph.D., and Mary A. Languirand, Ph.D. Let us know how you liked the book.

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Reminders

Cataract Awareness Month
American Academy of Ophthalmology
P.O. Box 7424
San Francisco, CA 94120
(415) 561-8525
(415) 561-8533 Fax
eyemd@aao.org
www.aao.org

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
National Partnership for Immunization
121 North Washington St.,Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-836-6110
dwichans@hmhb
http://www.partnersforimmunization.org/niam.html

Don't miss the September 2004 issue of Caregiver Tips? with tips and information on Dancing to Your Own Music.

Caregiver Connection Support Group

iBALANCE? Teleclasses

Are you longing for the time before caregiving? What to find a way
to get back to your dreams and goals? Enroll in iBALANCE? a four
part teleclass designed to help you take control of your life.

Meet once a week on the telephone and give yourself an hour to
clear away the guilt and stress of caregiving. Develop tools and
tricks to become more comfortable with caregiving. Learn life
skills that will change your life for the better.

Click this
link to get more information about teleclasses:

Get More Teleclass Information Here

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Messages for Caregivers

Don't miss another day of inspiration and support. Subscribe today and
get one free week of Once a Day and Twice on Sunday, Self Care Tips
for Caregivers. Here is what subscribers are saying about "Once a Day
and Twice on Sunday" Daily e-tips:

They're all so good, but I keep coming back to this one.. over and
over...I think I'll save it forever. Thank you. - Deborah

Good one! Thank you, Jo. Your kite metaphor applies to many of
our situations in life. I appreciate you sharing it with us.
All the best,Bob

Get your free Week of Tips

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So Good I Want To Share It

I had the pleasure of meeting Allison McVann, the Owner of Instrinsic Home Solutions at a seminar a few weeks ago. Allison offers assistance for seniors that need to liquidate property assets due to illness or a death of a loved one. Always confidential, you can contact Intrinsic Home Solutions if you need to investigate the sale of property for your care receiver. Contact Intrinsic Home Solutions

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Internet Sites 2Good2Miss

"Health Connection", a newsletter and information service of the manufacturers of Ensure(r) is offering a free bottle of Ensure?. Call the toll-free telephone number to request your free bottle, sign-up for the informational newsletter, and to receive recipes, calendars, coupons and more. Call 1-800-986-8501 and mention Reference Code 872.

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Thank You

I also want to thank those that have sent an email with a
request for information. I enjoy hearing from you and hope
that I can provide some support or help when you need it. Please
continue to send me your comments and requests.

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Self Care Tip

Dear Jo,

The Glad Game is good and I used it and many other things to
help me through the stress of caring for my dying brother last
year. I found that the movie Finding Nemo help me. I
watched the movie a lot because Dorie and Ellen's voice saying,
"...swimming, swimming, swimming, even when it's dark and scary...
sure bad things might happen... but if you just keep swimming you
will get through."

I love that movie. I'm still trying to be glad about things and keep
swimming. My brother died almost a year ago and I am still caring for
my 77 year old father. I have lots of swimming to do. -- Lola

Learn more about the Glad Game and how you can keep your head above water.

Read more tips at "Caregiver Tips©" the CareSsentials' Blog.

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Share A Tip

Share a tip like Lola did above and receive a CareSsentials
Mirror/Sewing Kit. Have a great tip that you want to share on
self care, coping, or humor that has helped you through the day?
Share the tip with us and receive a self-care gift for your
kindness and generosity.

Email your tips to the link below and please include your mailing
address so I can mail you the mirror/sewing kit.

Share a Tip

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Take care and enjoy your rituals of life this month,

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to risk life, to be needed. -- Storm Jameson

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