As a caregiver I’m honored to have this journal, “Caregivingly Yours” recently added to the “resources” links of the Center for Aging Research and Educational Services (CARES) of the Jordan Institute for Families, School of Social Work, University of North Carolina. “… Dedicated to serving social work practitioners and decision makers who work with older and disabled adults and their families.”
Reading from their Spring 2007 Adult Services Practice Notes (ASPN) I could not help but notice, remember, and “feel” some excerpts:
“Negotiating the change from caring for people at home to caring for them in a facility has its own steep learning curve and emotional heavy lifting …”
“… Family caregiving doesn’t end with the care recipient’s entry into a facility, and making the transition can be difficult not only for the people making the move but for the caregivers. The transition usually brings with it new challenges and stresses for everyone concerned. …”
Kudos to the University of North Carolina! CARES is addressing and making available knowledge and learning that IS and WILL BE needed for families everywhere.
AND …
I am neither that naive nor vain to believe this journal’s growth and recognition has to do with my attempts as a wordsmith. It is “our family’s story” of living with Multiple Sclerosis, joined by the cyber neighborhood of the hundreds who read each entry, the dozens and dozens of emails, and the wonderful handful who comment regularly. Any link to “Caregivingly Yours” is a welcome to this caring neighborhood.
Caregvingly Yours, Patrick Leer
Congratulations, Patrick! I think this is one of best pieces of news I've heard in a while. I know it's difficult for those who have not experienced caregiving in any situation to understand how mentally and physcially draining it can be. Your journal gives a personal point of view for us all to consider. But, as you well know, each caregiver has a different story. Thanks for sharing your family's experiences with us!
ReplyDeleteJackie
(((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU))))))))))))))))Congrats.Happy 4th to you all.
ReplyDeletehave a good week and 4th of July:)
ReplyDeleteDeb
What a well deserved honor. You speak for what so many are living through every day.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Congratulations, Patrick... I'm going to pass this on to my son, who is a Pharmacy student in his final year at UNC in Chapel Hill, NC. He may already be familiar with CARES. For the past three years he has been committed to raising funds for the Orange County Senior Center in CH through a 5K run (of which I've walked in two of them)... he is very concerned for the health care of the senior members of our society... and for his parents, of course (we are borderline Seniors, btw... :-l)! I always knew you would be used in this way. Your skills of observation and analysis, your unwavering perseverance, and undying compassion combine with your sense of humor and tact for explaining medical and social conditions/events/ circumstances/situations as you write these brief entries for the laymen, the families and friends of caregivers like yourself. I'm glad to be part of your "neighborhood!" bea
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