family caregiving Archives

Of course, we are all living in an unprecedented time. Families all over the world are sequestered – quarantined – due to a global pandemic. This is something that most of us never imagined. Wherever possible people are now working from home, mostly online. We are learning how to do our jobs as best as we can while distancing ourselves physically from others.

What I love is the ingenuity that many are using to bring encouragement and comfort to others while living up to the health-based limitations we must follow. It is very cool to see the thoughtful ingenuity going on out there.

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Have you been reaching out in unusual ways? Let’s share some ideas here and see if there are some new things we can do to express loving care for others!

1.A small town where I live has been cheering up the children who are out of school by putting on a FIRE ENGINE PARADE twice a week! The fire trucks drive by, sirens and lights going, while the little ones wave out the window at them! The kids love it and the firefighters do, too.

We can't #hug right now but there are ways ♥ How are you cheering yourself and others up? #love #family #friends #hope #healthyliving #safetyfirst Share on X

2.One little girl was having her 10th birthday but the big birthday party her family had planned was canceled. The families who would have brought their children to the soiree still bought her presents. They drove by in their cars waving, honking their horns and singing “Happy Birthday to You.” They left wrapped birthday gifts at the sidewalk for her parents to bring in. It was so special!

3.Some “anonymous somebody” the other night put on a fireworks display. It was the real deal – professional grade! Just hearing the sound was encouraging. It brought back fond memories of the 4th of July. We couldn’t see it from our house but someone got to see it and we were all smiles in appreciation for the gesture.

4.A family where the mom has some delicate health conditions going on – she is on a feeding tube and cannot risk getting sick – has been struggling with loneliness and a little depression. A best-buddy of the dad wanted to cheer his friend up. So, he came by and sat alone on the front porch. The dad opened the screened window and sat on the other side. They watched a tv show together, the friend watching from outside – the dad inside, and visited.

5.Our local news station showed the reuniting of a very little girl – maybe 3 or 4 years old – and her mother. They had been separated from each other for many days. Her mom is an essential healthcare worker.

When she finally did see her mom- who was wearing a mask for safety – she jumped into her arms and cried the deepest, heartfelt crocodile tears. No words can describe what she must have been feeling, missing her, but it was profound.

What do you do when you cannot hug? #love #hug #family #healthy Share on X

We all need hugs and kisses and touch. So what do you do when hugs aren’t possible? Make a phone call? How about a family video party? The sound of a friendly voice means a lot.

The creative ideas I shared are just a sample of what many people are doing to keep their spirits up and not neglect the needy. Share your ideas in the comments. We’d love to hear from you ♥

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Enjoy!

The beauty of family life! Family caregiving is a natural part of the cycle. We take care of the little ones entrusted to us and, down the road, they may just be taking care of us. This sweet little picture is of my son-in-law and my grandgirl. He is such a great dad. She never has to worry about any of her needs.

Family caregiving has become a way of life our family. How about yours? In our family, some have had their elderly parents and grandparents move right into their homes. Others have utilized the help of visiting nurses and, later, a nursing care facility. Still others have independent folks in their families whose mobility has decreased and they need some assistance. Whatever the case, caregiving is an act of love that can be exhausting.

So, dear caregiver, my advice to you is to protect your own health by making use of everything at your disposal. That may be in the form of others who offer to help you. If this is your first time around the block as a caregiver, you may not know what to say. Do not hesitate. Take them up on it! Even if they cannot help with the loved one you are caring for, they can help you. Let them run errands for you or do some of your everyday chores. It is their pleasure or they would not have suggested it. Preserve yourself and say “yes!”

Another tip: maximize the use of your time by putting existing programs and systems into your life. Sam’s Club is a great resource that has helped our family a lot when our parents needed special care. They sell products that make the lives of your loved ones so much more comfortable, like the Depend Fit-Flex Adult Underwear that I just bought. They have a large selection of helpful products, supplies and advice just for you.

It is so easy with Sams’ Club’s vast onlineFamily Caregiving department which offers support for caregivers and those they care for.

Club Pickup is an additional aid that will make your shopping experience go so much faster. Let them pull it off the shelves for you and have it ready when you arrive. Like I said, they have offered their help so say “yes!”

The Family Caregiving section of the Sam’s Club Website is so thorough yet easy to navigate. If you are used to shopping online, you are going to love it! (Even if you are not, try it. You will see what I mean.)

The three primary topics on their website you can click through are Around The House, For the Body and On The Move. It is so simple and complete. Just place your order for pickup and that is all you will have to do – drive over and pick it up!

I have gained such an appreciation for Sam’s Club for helping caregivers by lightening our load.

Here are just some of the ways that Sam’s Club’s Family Caregiving department provides help for caregivers:

Discreet shipping

Maintain a sense of peace when ordering sensitive items knowing that once it is delivered, you and only you will know what’s inside.

Free Shipping on select items from select locations.
Club Pick-up

Shop online and look for items marked “Club Pick-up”.
Use the “Easy Reorder” option and select from a list of your past in-club and online purchases – easy!
Get time back in your day as a member of the Sam’s Club team fills your cart with your items.
By-pass the register and check in on the app at the kiosk inside or pull up in their Drive Thru area (available in select clubs).

Scan & Go

Download the Sam’s Club Scan & Go app to gain access to great deals, pay quicker, and beat the checkout lines!
- Here’s how it works:
- o Barcode scan: Scan each item’s barcode in the store with the item scanner.
- o Payment: Pay fast for wholesale items directly in the app. It’s a time saver.

#FamilyCaregiving does not have to be hard https://ooh.li/a174911 Let @SamsClub help you! #ad Share on X

Enjoy!

When You Can’t Be There To Give Them A Hug

Family Caregiving Doesn’t Have To Be Hard