Ben’s Story I don’t want to get out of bed, and I’ve been feeling like this for over a month. My wife thinks I am depressed. She urged me to get help—so I did. When the counselor at JFS learned that I have been taking care of my elderly mother for the past six months, she said that I was experiencing ‘Caregiver Burnout.’ “I am a son, not a caregiver,” I told her. But she was quick to help me understand. Daily visits with my mom to make sure she was eating well and persistent worry about her isolation made me her caregiver. Who knew the constant care and concern for her would take such a toll on me? My therapist helped me manage the stress of caring for my mother. She taught me how to set realistic boundaries so that I wouldn’t feel so overburdened, and I reinvested in my own family, who was also feeling the weight of me being a caregiver. Thanks to JFS, I feel stronger and less depressed, and my mother is doing well.
Jewish FAMILY Services
Northeastern New York
The Stern’s Story News of Mom’s diagnosis hit everyone hard—especially me. I am her only daughter, but as I have gotten older, she has become more like a sister than a mother. After taking her to chemotherapy for several weeks, I grew to accept that she has cancer, but when the oncologist told me her prognosis I was devastated. Mom’s oncology nurse referred us to JFS’ Norek/Moses Transitions program—a service for families coping with terminal illness or the loss of a loved one. My brothers and I were struggling with our own emotions while trying to deal with our mom’s complex medical needs. The JFS staff member met with our family to help us navigate my mother’s care, and gave my brothers and me the emotional and spiritual support we needed. JFS helped keep our family strong through this major life event.
Jewish
FAMILY Services
Northeastern New York
Michael’s Story I miss my Dad. He used to take me to the park all the time. But I really miss our family—being together at home. Before my dad moved out we used to have family movie night where we took turns picking out a movie. The ones my sister picked were boring, but at least we were all together. I don’t remember how long my dad hasn’t lived with us. After he lost his job, it got louder around my house. Lots of screaming between my mom and dad, and things being dropped—or thrown. Now the only way we can be together like a family is at JFS. Our counselor meets with us while we all play games together. Then she talks to my mom and dad in a different room. My mom said she is trying to help them not be so mad anymore, so we can be a family again. I like going to JFS. It makes my family strong and it gives me hope.
Jewish FAMILY Services
Northeastern New York
Clara’s Story Apparently, mother knows best. After she recovered from a fractured hip, my mother fought hard to go home—back to her own things, and her neighbors and friends. In hindsight, it was the best decision for her. My mom lives in an area of Albany where JFS helps seniors maintain their independence by living at home. JFS coordinates all sorts of services and events to ensure she’s safe and happy. She has two neighbors down the street who check in on her all the time. A nurse from JFS regularly drops in to assess mom’s physical recovery. There are even volunteers from local schools who come by and help with projects like replacing storm windows and raking the yard. JFS works hard to strengthen the community. My mom is proof. I am grateful for the safety net that surrounds her.
Jewish FAMILY Services
Northeastern New York