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Managing a senior center within a recreation department involves more than calling bingo or setting up bridge games. The North Carolina Division of Aging has a grading system with established standards to ensure senior centers measure up to specific criteria. The main idea is that centers should be “one-stop shopping” for information and programs relating to seasoned adults.
The concept is spreading and more often, I see younger adults seeking services for their aging parents. The other day, a woman stopped in and asked, “What do you have for my mother-in-law to do? We just moved her in with us and she has dementia.” After discussing options for her mother-in-law, I asked the young woman, “What are you doing for yourself?”
She proudly and confidently told me she had read “The 36-Hour Day” and had been quoting segments from it to her husband. We had a wonderful conversation where she shared a few anecdotes and I know she is going to be alright.
Being a caretaker is an arduous task. My mother is 75 and cared for her father who died earlier this year at the age of 98. She gave him excellent care and it took a lot of talking to convince her that calling Hospice was not a death sentence. They were a tremendous help and she was able to refill her glass which was almost empty.
Still, the work took its toll and she became part of the growing number of caregivers who become ill themselves. Thankfully, she is recovering well from a stroke and a series of other ailments; and, after caring for her and my father in their hour of need, I too am regaining my stamina!
Some caregivers are not as fortunate. We must take care of ourselves if we are to care for others. Make time to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. If the choice is washing dishes or getting a breath of fresh air – go outside! Read, take a walk, or ask someone else to help while you join friends at a dance class. Give yourself permission to enjoy life so that you can be a better caretaker.
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