Merry Christmas!
It is the most wonderful time of the year! That familiar verse from the old Christmas song recalls memories of sights and smells from my childhood. I think that Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. Just like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life it is a time to reflect and really appreciate the blessings we have received. We get so busy in our day to day lives that it is easy to forget that we have a Lord and Savior who was born in a manger in Bethlehem so many years ago. Let’s all try to open our eyes and our hearts this Christmas season and think about how blessed we are and what we have to be thankful for. For starters, this great nation of ours was founded on trust in God and individual liberty. Please don’t take these things for granted and do what you can to prevent the erosion of our freedoms. This sense of liberty and individual freedom is one of the main reasons I believe so strongly in aging in place. The generation which began turning 74 this year are the recipients of the freedom that their parents fought and bled and died for in World War II. That liberty and independence is our birthright as Americans, and we must continue to fight for it so we don’t lose it. We begin to lose some of that independence when through age or disability; we can no longer get around our homes or come and go as we please. Because this independence is precious to us as Americans, we fight to keep it. It is my honor and privilege to be able to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them remain in their own homes and retain their independence. I appreciate the opportunity to help so many people by modifying their homes to make them safe and comfortable as they age. At this time of year our hearts also turn to family. All of us have loved ones that we have lost, and we miss them even more at this time of year. We long for just a few minutes with those who have gone on ahead of us. Make every effort to spend time with the family members you still have. We have no guarantees in this life, so let us make the most of every moment we have. If you have loved ones who are struggling to remain in their homes and could use some assistance, consider giving them a gift of Home Modification. Here at Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. we can improve the safety, comfort, and accessibility of their home and make a difference not just at Christmas but for the rest of their lives. Just get in touch with me to discuss the possibilities. Of course, let’s never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. In this increasingly politically correct society, it has become increasingly prevalent to take the Christ out of Christmas. I for one will stand by Jesus who has done so much for me in my life. At this time of year, if you have an opportunity to reach out to someone with the love of Christ, I encourage you to do so. There are opportunities all around us to make a difference in someone’s life. If we can make a difference in your life or a loved one’s life by modifying your home, please call us at (540) 384-2064 or send us an email at cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com. I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year!
Are you a Frazzled Caregiver?
I was talking to a client the other day who is caring for her mother. We converted her bathtub into a step in shower and we installed some hand rails on her front stoop to help prevent falls. She told me that her mother, who is almost 90 looks great, but “the rest of us are worn out”. Caregiving is an exhausting job that takes a toll on everyone who tries it. Many people with a caregiver’s heart feel guilty because they are not doing enough, even while neglecting themselves as well as their other responsibilities. If you aren’t careful, it will leave you frazzled. An internet search for “Are you a frazzled caregiver?” returned over nine million results. Maybe you think this topic is outside the realm of my usual subject matter. Caregiver burnout is a serious issue and many of the solutions that we provide can help not only the client but the caregiver as well. Many studies show that approximately 30% of caregivers die before their patients. This can be attributed to physical stress from lifting, supporting, and carrying our loved ones because of their mobility challenges as well as from the emotional stress of worrying about their safety. Many family caregivers feel that they shouldn’t ask for help because they should be able to care for their loved one by themselves. I have a news flash for you. You are not superman (or superwoman). We all need help, especially when caring for a loved one. Sometimes that help might come in the form of another family member pitching in so you can take a much needed break. Other times it might mean recruiting a professional caregiver on a full or part time basis. Or it could be that having some home modifications made can make your caregiving routine less physically and emotionally demanding. For example, adding grab bars or handrails can lessen the probability of your loved one falling and injuring themselves. Converting a bathtub to a curbless shower may eliminate the strain of lifting or assisting your loved one in or out of the bathtub. Removing throw rugs and trailing extension cords can help eliminate tripping hazards. Or a remote activity monitoring system could send alerts if activity is detected such as not taking medication or not getting up in the morning. This type of system can help provide peace of mind by knowing you will be alerted of a problem when you are not able to physically be there with your loved one. If you are a caregiver and would like a professional evaluation of your home or your loved one’s home, please give us a call. We can assess your home and tell you what modifications can increase safety and independence. We can be reached at 540-384-2064 or by logging onto our website at www.solidrockenterprises.com. If you are a caregiver, please get the help you need. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be any help to anyone else. You need a support network to help support you. Resources can be found at your local area agency on aging or at the National Aging in Place Council website at www.ageinplace.org. There are numerous support groups for caregivers to get together and share their struggles and triumphs. Sometimes just knowing that there are other people experiencing the same challenges you are can help you feel less alone. If you are a frazzled caregiver please take the time and make the effort to take care of yourself. It could make all the difference for you and your loved one.
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