Caregiving A Community Affair

by Sherrill Wayland, MSW

Being a caregiver for a loved one or close friend brings about many challenges and can often lead to burnout. At the same time it can bring great meaning to our lives as we provide much needed support, compassion and love to those who are experiencing chronic illness or recovering from a major surgery. When one takes on the role of caregiver, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and personally responsible for the health and well being of the one you are caring for. However, there is often support being offered from family, friends, and co-workers that help to alleviate some of the stress caregivers are feeling. Accepting these offers of help can sometimes be difficult as a caregiver may find they feel guilty accepting the help or not really knowing how to best utilize the help that is offered.

A model of community care has emerged over the past 10 years called “Sharing the Care”. Through this model, caregivers are empowered to recognize the support being offered by family, friends and co-workers and organize this offer of support in a manner that benefits not only the caregiver and care recipient, but also those who want to support you through this caregiving journey. Through this model, people who have offered to support the caregiver and care recipient are asked to attend a meeting to create a “care team” that will support the caregiver and the care recipient. During this meeting needs are identified and schedule is created where the care team can become active participants in supporting the caregiver and care recipient. These needs might include: fixing a weekly meal; taking the dog to the vet; cleaning the house; grocery shopping; providing respite care, enabling the caregiver to have a break. The possibilities are endless, yet focused on the comfort and appropriateness identified by the care recipient, caregiver, and care team. Through learning to accept the offers of support and creating a formalized care team, people experiencing chronic and/or terminal illness or recovering from a major surgery are provided with a caring environment in their own homes.

This model is one that caregivers can implement on their own or contact a Geriatric Care Manager to coordinate and facilitate the care team. The “Share the Care” website provides an introduction this model and other valuable resources.   As the “Share the Care” model emerged, seven guiding principles for caregivers were developed that assist in supporting a care team:

• Principle 1: Sharing responsibility is the key to not “burning out.”
• Principle 2: It won’t work unless everyone gains something personally.
• Principle 3: Know your limits and stick to them.
• Principle 4: There’s no right way to do it.
• Principle 5: Anyone who wants to help should be encouraged.
• Principle 6: Trust the group; Support each other.
• Principle 7: Keep your own life in working order.

(Excerpts from “Share the Care” http://www.sharethecare.org/index.html )

Pathways for Aging is here to assist caregivers and care recipients through the caregiving journey. Call or email us to set up schedule a consultation regarding the facilitation of a care team for you and your loved one.

Pathways for Aging Special Report:

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway? Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System   Only 4.95.   Get your copy here.

by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW "How will you or a loved one die?"  This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues.  It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made.  Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan.  Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE.

Website Tip of the Month

Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management  Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117


How We Can Help

Sign up to receive this newsletter.

Caregiving A Community Affair

by Sherrill Wayland, MSW

Being a caregiver for a loved one or close friend brings about many challenges and can often lead to burnout. At the same time it can bring great meaning to our lives as we provide much needed support, compassion and love to those who are experiencing chronic illness or recovering from a major surgery. When one takes on the role of caregiver, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and personally responsible for the health and well being of the one you are caring for. However, there is often support being offered from family, friends, and co-workers that help to alleviate some of the stress caregivers are feeling. Accepting these offers of help can sometimes be difficult as a caregiver may find they feel guilty accepting the help or not really knowing how to best utilize the help that is offered.

A model of community care has emerged over the past 10 years called “Sharing the Care”. Through this model, caregivers are empowered to recognize the support being offered by family, friends and co-workers and organize this offer of support in a manner that benefits not only the caregiver and care recipient, but also those who want to support you through this caregiving journey. Through this model, people who have offered to support the caregiver and care recipient are asked to attend a meeting to create a “care team” that will support the caregiver and the care recipient. During this meeting needs are identified and schedule is created where the care team can become active participants in supporting the caregiver and care recipient. These needs might include: fixing a weekly meal; taking the dog to the vet; cleaning the house; grocery shopping; providing respite care, enabling the caregiver to have a break. The possibilities are endless, yet focused on the comfort and appropriateness identified by the care recipient, caregiver, and care team. Through learning to accept the offers of support and creating a formalized care team, people experiencing chronic and/or terminal illness or recovering from a major surgery are provided with a caring environment in their own homes.

This model is one that caregivers can implement on their own or contact a Geriatric Care Manager to coordinate and facilitate the care team. The “Share the Care” website provides an introduction this model and other valuable resources.   As the “Share the Care” model emerged, seven guiding principles for caregivers were developed that assist in supporting a care team:

• Principle 1: Sharing responsibility is the key to not “burning out.”
• Principle 2: It won’t work unless everyone gains something personally.
• Principle 3: Know your limits and stick to them.
• Principle 4: There’s no right way to do it.
• Principle 5: Anyone who wants to help should be encouraged.
• Principle 6: Trust the group; Support each other.
• Principle 7: Keep your own life in working order.

(Excerpts from “Share the Care” http://www.sharethecare.org/index.html )

Pathways for Aging is here to assist caregivers and care recipients through the caregiving journey. Call or email us to set up schedule a consultation regarding the facilitation of a care team for you and your loved one.

Pathways for Aging Special Report:

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway? Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System   Only 4.95.   Get your copy here.

by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW "How will you or a loved one die?"  This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues.  It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made.  Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan.  Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE.

Website Tip of the Month

Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management  Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117


How We Can Help

Sign up to receive this newsletter.

Caregiving A Community Affair

by Sherrill Wayland, MSW

Being a caregiver for a loved one or close friend brings about many challenges and can often lead to burnout. At the same time it can bring great meaning to our lives as we provide much needed support, compassion and love to those who are experiencing chronic illness or recovering from a major surgery. When one takes on the role of caregiver, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and personally responsible for the health and well being of the one you are caring for. However, there is often support being offered from family, friends, and co-workers that help to alleviate some of the stress caregivers are feeling. Accepting these offers of help can sometimes be difficult as a caregiver may find they feel guilty accepting the help or not really knowing how to best utilize the help that is offered.

A model of community care has emerged over the past 10 years called “Sharing the Care”. Through this model, caregivers are empowered to recognize the support being offered by family, friends and co-workers and organize this offer of support in a manner that benefits not only the caregiver and care recipient, but also those who want to support you through this caregiving journey. Through this model, people who have offered to support the caregiver and care recipient are asked to attend a meeting to create a “care team” that will support the caregiver and the care recipient. During this meeting needs are identified and schedule is created where the care team can become active participants in supporting the caregiver and care recipient. These needs might include: fixing a weekly meal; taking the dog to the vet; cleaning the house; grocery shopping; providing respite care, enabling the caregiver to have a break. The possibilities are endless, yet focused on the comfort and appropriateness identified by the care recipient, caregiver, and care team. Through learning to accept the offers of support and creating a formalized care team, people experiencing chronic and/or terminal illness or recovering from a major surgery are provided with a caring environment in their own homes.

This model is one that caregivers can implement on their own or contact a Geriatric Care Manager to coordinate and facilitate the care team. The “Share the Care” website provides an introduction this model and other valuable resources.   As the “Share the Care” model emerged, seven guiding principles for caregivers were developed that assist in supporting a care team:

• Principle 1: Sharing responsibility is the key to not “burning out.”
• Principle 2: It won’t work unless everyone gains something personally.
• Principle 3: Know your limits and stick to them.
• Principle 4: There’s no right way to do it.
• Principle 5: Anyone who wants to help should be encouraged.
• Principle 6: Trust the group; Support each other.
• Principle 7: Keep your own life in working order.

(Excerpts from “Share the Care” http://www.sharethecare.org/index.html )

Pathways for Aging is here to assist caregivers and care recipients through the caregiving journey. Call or email us to set up schedule a consultation regarding the facilitation of a care team for you and your loved one.

Pathways for Aging Special Report:

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway? Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System   Only 4.95.   Get your copy here.

by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW "How will you or a loved one die?"  This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues.  It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made.  Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan.  Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE.

Website Tip of the Month

Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management  Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117


How We Can Help

Sign up to receive this newsletter.

Caregiving A Community Affair

by Sherrill Wayland, MSW

Being a caregiver for a loved one or close friend brings about many challenges and can often lead to burnout. At the same time it can bring great meaning to our lives as we provide much needed support, compassion and love to those who are experiencing chronic illness or recovering from a major surgery. When one takes on the role of caregiver, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and personally responsible for the health and well being of the one you are caring for. However, there is often support being offered from family, friends, and co-workers that help to alleviate some of the stress caregivers are feeling. Accepting these offers of help can sometimes be difficult as a caregiver may find they feel guilty accepting the help or not really knowing how to best utilize the help that is offered.

A model of community care has emerged over the past 10 years called “Sharing the Care”. Through this model, caregivers are empowered to recognize the support being offered by family, friends and co-workers and organize this offer of support in a manner that benefits not only the caregiver and care recipient, but also those who want to support you through this caregiving journey. Through this model, people who have offered to support the caregiver and care recipient are asked to attend a meeting to create a “care team” that will support the caregiver and the care recipient. During this meeting needs are identified and schedule is created where the care team can become active participants in supporting the caregiver and care recipient. These needs might include: fixing a weekly meal; taking the dog to the vet; cleaning the house; grocery shopping; providing respite care, enabling the caregiver to have a break. The possibilities are endless, yet focused on the comfort and appropriateness identified by the care recipient, caregiver, and care team. Through learning to accept the offers of support and creating a formalized care team, people experiencing chronic and/or terminal illness or recovering from a major surgery are provided with a caring environment in their own homes.

This model is one that caregivers can implement on their own or contact a Geriatric Care Manager to coordinate and facilitate the care team. The “Share the Care” website provides an introduction this model and other valuable resources.   As the “Share the Care” model emerged, seven guiding principles for caregivers were developed that assist in supporting a care team:

• Principle 1: Sharing responsibility is the key to not “burning out.”
• Principle 2: It won’t work unless everyone gains something personally.
• Principle 3: Know your limits and stick to them.
• Principle 4: There’s no right way to do it.
• Principle 5: Anyone who wants to help should be encouraged.
• Principle 6: Trust the group; Support each other.
• Principle 7: Keep your own life in working order.

(Excerpts from “Share the Care” http://www.sharethecare.org/index.html )

Pathways for Aging is here to assist caregivers and care recipients through the caregiving journey. Call or email us to set up schedule a consultation regarding the facilitation of a care team for you and your loved one.

Pathways for Aging Special Report:

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway? Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System   Only 4.95.   Get your copy here.

by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW "How will you or a loved one die?"  This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues.  It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made.  Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan.  Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE.

Website Tip of the Month

Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management  Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117


How We Can Help

Sign up to receive this newsletter.

Caregiving A Community Affair

by Sherrill Wayland, MSW

Being a caregiver for a loved one or close friend brings about many challenges and can often lead to burnout. At the same time it can bring great meaning to our lives as we provide much needed support, compassion and love to those who are experiencing chronic illness or recovering from a major surgery. When one takes on the role of caregiver, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and personally responsible for the health and well being of the one you are caring for. However, there is often support being offered from family, friends, and co-workers that help to alleviate some of the stress caregivers are feeling. Accepting these offers of help can sometimes be difficult as a caregiver may find they feel guilty accepting the help or not really knowing how to best utilize the help that is offered.

A model of community care has emerged over the past 10 years called “Sharing the Care”. Through this model, caregivers are empowered to recognize the support being offered by family, friends and co-workers and organize this offer of support in a manner that benefits not only the caregiver and care recipient, but also those who want to support you through this caregiving journey. Through this model, people who have offered to support the caregiver and care recipient are asked to attend a meeting to create a “care team” that will support the caregiver and the care recipient. During this meeting needs are identified and schedule is created where the care team can become active participants in supporting the caregiver and care recipient. These needs might include: fixing a weekly meal; taking the dog to the vet; cleaning the house; grocery shopping; providing respite care, enabling the caregiver to have a break. The possibilities are endless, yet focused on the comfort and appropriateness identified by the care recipient, caregiver, and care team. Through learning to accept the offers of support and creating a formalized care team, people experiencing chronic and/or terminal illness or recovering from a major surgery are provided with a caring environment in their own homes.

This model is one that caregivers can implement on their own or contact a Geriatric Care Manager to coordinate and facilitate the care team. The “Share the Care” website provides an introduction this model and other valuable resources.   As the “Share the Care” model emerged, seven guiding principles for caregivers were developed that assist in supporting a care team:

• Principle 1: Sharing responsibility is the key to not “burning out.”
• Principle 2: It won’t work unless everyone gains something personally.
• Principle 3: Know your limits and stick to them.
• Principle 4: There’s no right way to do it.
• Principle 5: Anyone who wants to help should be encouraged.
• Principle 6: Trust the group; Support each other.
• Principle 7: Keep your own life in working order.

(Excerpts from “Share the Care” http://www.sharethecare.org/index.html )

Pathways for Aging is here to assist caregivers and care recipients through the caregiving journey. Call or email us to set up schedule a consultation regarding the facilitation of a care team for you and your loved one.

Pathways for Aging Special Report:

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway? Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System   Only 4.95.   Get your copy here.

by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW "How will you or a loved one die?"  This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues.  It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made.  Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan.  Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE.

Website Tip of the Month

Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management  Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117


How We Can Help

Sign up to receive this newsletter.

Caregiving A Community Affair

by Sherrill Wayland, MSW

Being a caregiver for a loved one or close friend brings about many challenges and can often lead to burnout. At the same time it can bring great meaning to our lives as we provide much needed support, compassion and love to those who are experiencing chronic illness or recovering from a major surgery. When one takes on the role of caregiver, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and personally responsible for the health and well being of the one you are caring for. However, there is often support being offered from family, friends, and co-workers that help to alleviate some of the stress caregivers are feeling. Accepting these offers of help can sometimes be difficult as a caregiver may find they feel guilty accepting the help or not really knowing how to best utilize the help that is offered.

A model of community care has emerged over the past 10 years called “Sharing the Care”. Through this model, caregivers are empowered to recognize the support being offered by family, friends and co-workers and organize this offer of support in a manner that benefits not only the caregiver and care recipient, but also those who want to support you through this caregiving journey. Through this model, people who have offered to support the caregiver and care recipient are asked to attend a meeting to create a “care team” that will support the caregiver and the care recipient. During this meeting needs are identified and schedule is created where the care team can become active participants in supporting the caregiver and care recipient. These needs might include: fixing a weekly meal; taking the dog to the vet; cleaning the house; grocery shopping; providing respite care, enabling the caregiver to have a break. The possibilities are endless, yet focused on the comfort and appropriateness identified by the care recipient, caregiver, and care team. Through learning to accept the offers of support and creating a formalized care team, people experiencing chronic and/or terminal illness or recovering from a major surgery are provided with a caring environment in their own homes.

This model is one that caregivers can implement on their own or contact a Geriatric Care Manager to coordinate and facilitate the care team. The “Share the Care” website provides an introduction this model and other valuable resources.   As the “Share the Care” model emerged, seven guiding principles for caregivers were developed that assist in supporting a care team:

• Principle 1: Sharing responsibility is the key to not “burning out.”
• Principle 2: It won’t work unless everyone gains something personally.
• Principle 3: Know your limits and stick to them.
• Principle 4: There’s no right way to do it.
• Principle 5: Anyone who wants to help should be encouraged.
• Principle 6: Trust the group; Support each other.
• Principle 7: Keep your own life in working order.

(Excerpts from “Share the Care” http://www.sharethecare.org/index.html )

Pathways for Aging is here to assist caregivers and care recipients through the caregiving journey. Call or email us to set up schedule a consultation regarding the facilitation of a care team for you and your loved one.

Pathways for Aging Special Report:

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway? Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System   Only $14.95.   Get your copy here.

by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW "How will you or a loved one die?"  This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues.  It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made.  Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan.  Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE.

Website Tip of the Month

Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management  Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117


How We Can Help

Sign up to receive this newsletter.