Learn about programs that help unpaid caregivers Page 2
How you can get involved with Homage as a volunteer
www.homage.org
VOL. 45 NO. 10 | NOVEMBER 2018
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A Foster Grandparent talks about the benefits of community service Page 3
How to manage your stress during the Christmas season Page 4
Four ways to make a difference as an RSVP volunteer Page 5
Perspectives on the Past: Celebrating our American Melting Pot Page 6
Which treatments really work for women with hair loss? Page 8
If you can’t do these three movements, you’re in trouble Page 9 Learn about programs and services available to seniors by visiting www.homage.org
Daisy Christopherson (left) and family caregiver specialist Cynthia Andrews chat about Christopherson’s grandson during a visit to her home in Everett. A caregiver helps Daisy with her husband Mark, who suffers from various health problems. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Caring for caregivers Homage program offers support services for people who look after their loved ones By Megan Brown Through sickness and in health is not just a vow. For many, it’s a way of life. When Daisy and Mark Christopherson wed in 1996, the Everett couple were excited about their future together. In 2003, their lives changed unexpectedly after Mark underwent major surgery. Daisy, 69, became the sole provider while Mark, 71, did housework and had dinner on the table when she came home. When Mark’s health began to deteriorate in 2016, Daisy retired from her accounting job to become his full-time caregiver. Daisy found the transition difficult. “It’s a 24/7 job,” she said. “It’s not how I expected our lives would turn out.” Fortunately, Daisy discovered Homage Senior Services Family Caregiver Support Program, which offers counseling and other services to unpaid caregivers. She completed their assessment survey, which includes questions pertaining to
caregivers’ levels of stress, fatigue and fulfillment. Her answers were reviewed by Cynthia Andrews, a caregiver support specialist at Homage. Andrews creates tailored solutions to alleviate the stress of a caregiver’s job. She introduces them to counseling and respite services, while helping them reflect on their own health and well-being. “I help care for them, so they can care for others,” Andrews said. Her most common prescription for caregiver fatigue is outsourcing in-home care. For no cost, caregivers who qualify are granted an in-home helper for up to five hours a week. Though this might not sound like much, it can make a world of difference. “It gives me time to go see a doctor or go do something fun,” Daisy said. “I get to have lunch with a friend and that really helps energize me again. He’s in good hands.” Their helper also assists with chores around the house. “She’s very considerate of me,” her husband Mark said of their helper. “I
wish I could have her here five days a week. My wife wishes we could have her seven.” Andrews said it’s common for spouses to feel too guilty to admit to the stress caused by becoming their partner’s primary caregiver. Despite a pledge to care for the other through every stage of life, the reality of dependency is less romantic. “The spouse feels more obligated because they said for better or for worse. Oftentimes they never thought that it would worse,” said Andrews. “Most of the time they need services and they just don’t recognize it, or don’t feel like they deserve it.” The Family Caregiver Support Program was established in 2009 to assist a growing number of unpaid in-home caregivers. The program is available to any community member who serves as an unpaid caregiver, a role that sometimes might be filled by a neighbor or close friend. Michelle Barnes oversees the program as the Social Services CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SOUND PUBLISHING 98204
Quality Senior Living Community
• Studio and one bedroom apartments Homage Senior Services 5026 196th St. SW Lynnwood, WA 98036
• Close to shopping • Affordable rent includes utilities • On Metro bus route • Restaurant on-site – open to the public • Must be 62 or older; income limits apply
Call today for information and application
206-364-2440 747 N 135th St. • Seattle, WA