A Resource Guide For 55+
September 2023
A Little Piece of You
Page 3
Working Into Retirement Age
Page 3
Preventing Caregiver Burnout
Page 6
Who Will Handle Your Finances?
Page 7
Using Assistive Technologies to Prevent Falls
Page 8
Joyful Painters: Art for a Cause
Page 9
Grand Idea: When Life Gets Puzzling
Page 9
Community Calendar of Events
Page 10
Charles D. of New Market survived testicular cancer only to be living in constant pain. He felt as though he were walking on pins and needles, becoming weaker and weaker every day. "I was beginning to be worried that one day I would be wheelchairbound."
Nearly half of patients who undergo chemotherapy will develop Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, or CIPN.
Chemo meds travel throughout the body and attack cancer cells; sadly they can also cause severe damage to healthy nerves.
The most common symptoms of CIPN include:
pain, tingling, burning, weakness, or numbness in arms, hands, legs, or feet
sudden, sharp, stabbing or shocking pain sensations loss of touch sensation
clumsiness and trouble using hands to pick up objects or
When asked how CIPN was affecting his quality of life, Charles responded, "It was difficult to even walk up and down stairs and do other things we usually take for granted."
Fortunately for Charles, Acupuncturists Berry and Amara of Acupuncture Medical Center are using the time-tested science of Acupuncture and technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease. After a series of treatments, Charles was taking stairs with stride!
"We have a house on the Chesapeake and this morning I walked right down the stairs and got in the car," Charles shared. "I remember thinking 'that's become mighty easy for me', I didn't have to hold on to the handrail or anything! It's life changing to have this mobility back!"
For over 15 years, Acupuncturists Amara and Berry have been reversing the effects of CIPN and other varieties of Peripheral Neuropathy (including that caused by diabetes) without invasive surgeries or medications that come with uncomfortable side effects.
If you've recently beat cancer only to find that you're living in constant pain and discomfort or you're struggling with the same symptoms as a result of either Idiopathic Neuropathy or Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Acupuncturists Berry, Amara and the incredible team at Acupuncture Medical Center can help!
Patient success stories can be viewed on their website, AcuMedCenterVA.com, or you can find their Google Reviews online.
Acupuncturists Berry and Amara are now accepting new patients, but only for a limited time. To determine whether or not you are a good candidate for their personalized treatments an initial consultation is required. Call (540) 217-2783 today to schedule!
During the pandemic, I became obsessed with jigsaw puzzles.
I set up a table in our family room with two chairs – an open invitation for any family member to join me as I puzzled, or connect a piece or two on their own. I favored the 300 piece projects with nostalgic holiday scenes or seaside vistas. It was a simple way to turn off the near-constant onslaught of imaginary scenarios my brain was always concocting to focus on one task. And, I enjoyed
the little dopamine rush I’d get putting that last piece into place.
Occasionally one of my kids would slide into the seat across from me and work on the other end of the puzzle. None of them enjoyed the hunt for the right piece, but the scene we were trying to build was almost always a conversation starter. (“Did people really used to drag Christmas trees home on sleds?”) Eventually something more exciting would pull them away, and I would go back to
my solitary effort, grateful for the time they spent with me doing something I knew they didn’t like.
Then an interesting thing happened. They started inviting me to join their activities more frequently. Video games, Monopoly, scary movies, even that silly water bottle flipping craze. I wasn’t always thrilled to participate, but I appreciated them sharing a little piece of themselves with me and getting a glimpse of their good time.
Lev’s article on doing puzzles with grandkids in this issue was a fun reminder of my pandemic puzzle period. I have since repurposed my table into a “beverage station” and donated most of my puzzles. But, the memories of the conversations shared over so many tiny cardboard shapes remain.
I hope you’ll enjoy the articles that follow, and that you’ll be inspired to share a special activity – and a little piece of yourself – with loved ones this fall.
Many have seen the social media video of the 72-year-old great-grandmother delivering pizza, stumbling, falling, and tossing the food on the porch. Ms. Gillespie was a retired school lunch lady needing to work to maintain herself. The receiving delivery couple was so shocked and worried for her that they set up a Go Fund Me page and raised more than $235,000, which allowed Ms. Gillespie to return to full-time retirement. Maybe you know of a couple who planned well for retirement, but one became ill, and retirement funds became exhausted paying medical bills, resulting in the other returning to the labor force. Or maybe you know of a retired person with transferable skills who retired to part-time work in a different position using those skills. Others may not return to employment but use their labor skills or other interest to become active volunteers who contribute to their communities. These types of stories represent some of the realities of older persons who are working longer or returning to the workforce after they officially retire. Fewer older workers are transitioning directly from full-time work to full-time retirement. Some workers transition to part-
time positions with their current employer or a new one, while others become self-employed following a dream or income-generating hobby.
The financial burden of preparing for retirement is difficult for those who identify as manual laborers, those within service positions, persons who are self-employed, or those who have endured major medical crises with limited insurance. Roughly one-third of workers do not have access to a retirement plan at work, and many aging workers have not saved enough for retirement and may continue to work beyond when they intended to retire out of financial need. Older females may live longer than males, but their labor market participation has disruptions because of caretaking for children or other family members. This creates a greater vulnerability for older women as they approach retirement age, especially if they are single or divorced. Those who have experienced long-term manual labor in their work history may have health-related back, hip, feet, or even vision limitations making it more difficult if they desire or need to work.
The number of older workers is growing at a rate that outpaces the overall
growth of the labor force. Age discrimination, inadequate training opportunities, working while managing health conditions and disabilities, and balancing caregiving responsibilities are among the main challenges facing an aging workforce. The 2017 U.S. Senate America’s Aging Workforce report states that the number of individuals ages 55 and above in the labor force will grow from 35.7 million in 2016 to 42.1 million in 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One factor is the proportional growth of older Americans attributed to the aging of Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, who began turning 65 in 2011. By 2030, all baby boomers will be age 65 and over, with a growing percentage over age 75. Another contributor to older persons being a greater portion of the population is the decrease in childbirths, as significant numbers of the young delay having children into their 30s.
With advances in medicine and public health, older persons are living and working longer though the COVID pandemic impacted the work-life decisions of aging persons. In 2000, 12.5 percent of those over 65 were working. By 2016, that share
had increased to 18.6 percent. More older persons are more active and engaged in lifelong wellness to maintain their health and well-being.
Older workers contribute to the economy past retirement age, demonstrating an exceptional work ethic not always seen in the younger generation. These workers help employers retain valuable skills, address workforce shortages, and increase workplace diversity. Older workers are contributors to workspaces allowing continuity if employers are willing to develop a part-time transitional plan for older adults. A growing group of aging workers are caregivers needing part-time employment. One out of every four employees over the age of 50 serves as a family caregiver. The Labor Bureau states that while 80 percent of employers say they are supportive of employees who plan to work past the age of 65, only 39 percent offer flexible scheduling options and only 31 percent facilitate processes for moving from full-time to part-time roles. It is more likely and unfortunate that inflexible employers lose skilled workers because they only see workers in one format.
It can begin as simply as picking up a prescription for your husband, googling your sister’s health condition, or driving your father to an appointment with his neurologist. This is just what we do, you tell yourself. Even as you continue to support your loved one over time, you may not identify yourself as a “caregiver.” The care you offer your loved ones does not define you in some new way.
And yet, over time, it will change you. Author Tia Walker says, “Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” Being the primary caregiver for someone living
with a disease or chronic illness can be a rewarding role. It can also become overwhelming, depleting, and isolating. Often, you don’t pay attention to your own needs because your focus is on your ailing loved one. Over time, that can lead to burnout.
The Cleveland Clinic describes caregiver burnout as “a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned.” It occurs when you do more to care for your loved one
See CAREGIVER , Page 11
On Oct. 17, VPAS will host the third annual conference for family caregivers of older adults at Blue Ridge Community College from 9-3. You can attend sessions on end of life planning, providing health care at home, dementia, and mental health for caregivers.
There will also be a panel presentation featuring family caregivers who will share about their experience. Local organizations will host exhibits, and resource tables will feature literature and assistive technology displays, art and more. Music and special self-care opportunities will be available as well to help refresh your spirit, and door prizes will wrap up the day with excitement. Lunch is in-
cluded and there is no cost to attend, thanks to the following sponsors:
• Blue Ridge Community College
•Bridgewater Retirement Community
• Clark and Bradshaw
• Cardinal Care LLC
• Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge
• Kendal at Lexington
• Summit Square Retirement Community
• Sunnyside Retirement Community
• VMRC
Put it on your “help list”, plan a day away from caregiving now, and register at vpas.info/caregiver-support or 540-615-5341.
There are several ways you can appoint another person to handle your financial affairs.
The most common way to appoint someone to handle your financial affairs is to create a power of attorney. It is a legal instrument in which you grant another power or authority to act for you regarding your financial affairs. The person who acts for you is called the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.”
The authority granted can be broad enough to cover all your business or financial tasks (called “general”) or for a single task (called “specific”). In the document, the authority granted to agent can be effective immediately upon the execution of the document or can be effective only if you have
been declared mentally incapacitated by your physician. Using “durable” in the title of the power of attorney means that it remains valid even after you become mentally incapacitated.
A trustee is another person who can handle your financial affairs. The trustee is named under a trust you create. The trustee will manage your financial assets which are owned in the name of the trust. A trust can be “revocable” meaning you will have full control over changing the terms of the trust. It could also be an “irrevocable” trust, which is a trust in which you do not have full control over changing the terms of the trust.
A conservator is a person appointed by a Court (not you) to act for you re-
garding your financial affairs. The Court must decide the appointment of a conservator is in your best interest and if you are mentally incapacitated. You must be mentally unable to appoint an agent under a power of attorney. A conservator need not be appointed if you have a valid power of attorney in place. However, if your agent is acting improperly, the Court can invalidate your power of attorney and appoint a conservator. The conservator must account annually for his or her actions with the Court and prove that your affairs are being handled appropriately.
The law imposes the duty of trust on the agent, trustee, or conservator. He or she must protect your assets, act
loyally to you, and not co-mingle your assets with the appointed person. The duty of trust is called fiduciary duty.
A bill paying service is a business which assists you in managing the payment of your monthly bills. You, your agent, or conservator can hire the service to handle your matters.
You should contact a local attorney to assist you in creating a trust or power of attorney (or in some instances, both). In this way, you decide that someone you know and trust will handle your financial affairs if you cannot act. You should not rely on the Court to appoint a conservator, as it is an expensive and time-consuming process and you will lose your control over who handles your financial affairs.
Do you have devices in your home that could help prevent a fall??
The Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) along with No Wrong Door (NWD) have partnered to demonstrate a few affordable and user-friendly technologies and AT devices that can help older adults and Virginians with disabilities at risk for falls.
Most of the items are readily available consumer products versus specialty items and can be purchased locally or online from a variety of retailers.
The CDC recommends that people over the age of 65:
• Get rid of things you could trip over.
• Add grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet.
• Put railings on both sides of stairs.
• Make sure your home has lots of light by adding more or brighter light bulbs.
We have a sample of automatic, timer and motion night lights that are simple and low cost lighting solutions. We also recommend using LED and higher watt lightbulbs. Grab bars and bathroom equipment can also help prevent falls in the bathroom. We partner with the FREE Foundation to assist in this effort! FREE collects, sanitizes, and gifts a range of donated mobility-related rehabilitation equipment to low-income uninsured or under-insured adults in Virginia. To learn more contact them at: www.FREE-foundation.org
Falls have also been reported by people tripping on their pets and/or when
they are carrying objects. There are pet collars with bells to help you hear when your pet is approaching. We also can show you a therapeutic robotic pet that many people find enjoyable without the expense and fall concern of a living pet. Using a cart or stair-climbing cart can also free up one hand to hold onto a stair rail while carrying your groceries, etc.
Our overall mission at VATS is to ensure that Virginians of all ages and abilities can acquire the appropriate,
Working FROM PAGE 4
As our aging population grows, finding ways for them to be community-engaged benefits the overall well-being of older adults and reduces their isolation. An Urban Institute report states that more than six out of ten adults age 55+ engage in volunteer activity, formally or informally. The one in ten Baby Boomers who participate in formal volunteerism represents dollars
affordable assistive and information technologies and services they need to participate in society as active citizens. September is National Falls Prevention Awareness Month. Visit with us in person at the Best Foot Forward Falls Prevention Open House at the Lucy Simms Center on September 20 from 1-4 p.m. To register for this event, visit vpas.info/health-and-fitness or call 540615-5341. Can’t make it? Learn more about VATS at vats.org.
saved by organizations. Regardless of income level, active and engaged older adults retain better health and cognitive abilities to be contributors. These volunteers may formally appear at elementary schools, nonprofits, or health facilities and may appear informally as family caregivers or faith-based community workers. Whether volunteering or paid labor, older adults are providing a positive benefit to community life. This mutual process serves all.
On a Wednesday morning, “The Joyful Painters” can be found painting, as they have done almost every week for the past year and a half.
Surrounding the kitchen table in a sunny home in Rockingham, four watercolor artists, none of whom have been professionally trained, have gathered to paint and to share their views on creating art that matters.
The “Joyful Painters” is a good name for the group, which creates art to support community causes. “Joyful is who we are. It defines us well. Painting brings us joy, and we desire to give that joy to others,” says Georgi Kiser, one of the group’s members.
The group looks for ways to donate their art to make an impact on underserved communities. “Last year we donated art towards helping the Ukraine people,” says member Krista Gisler. “Currently, we are creating art to be on permanent display at the Blue Ridge Free Clinic. Everyone deserves positive art around them.”
In March and April, the group was in their first gallery showing at Hotel Madison, part of First Fridays of the Valley. “It was a great success,” says Judi Coleman.
Sign up to paint these pretty pumpkins at the VPAS guided Watercolor Class with the Joyful Painters.
“We were told we had more sales than just about any other group has experienced in the gallery. It’s because we love what we are doing, and we create affordable art. It’s a win-win.”
Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) is partnering with the Joyful Painters to host a guided watercolor painting workshop at Price Rotary Senior Center on September 18 from 2-3 p.m. Adults 60 and over are invited to participate in this fall-themed, beginner level event. Register at vpas.info/recreation or call 540-615-5341.
For more information on this article or the group, contact Judi.s.coleman@gmail. com or visit joyfulpainters.com.
Busy schedules are sometimes like figuring out a roadmap in a different language. With more and more daycare centers closing, and costs rising, many grandparents are shouldering the load of care for their grands. Activities abound, but transportation to and from adds another exhausting element to scheduling.
There are rainy days and days that it’s just too hot or cold to be outside. That’s the time to pull out one of those teaching tools that keep minds moving in the direction of problem solving. Get the young-
sters together for a jigsaw puzzle contest.
Yes, for grandparents and grandchildren, Jigsaw puzzles are great one-onone activities, and they are great teaching tools. Puzzles are a good way to teach small children their colors and numbers. For older children, you have art class, geometry, math, architectural design, and pattern recognition all in one fun spot.
Thousands of different subjects, like animals or vacation spots, are children’s favorites. This is one way to give them a
See PUZZLING, Page 11
Do you have dentures that don’t work?
Tired of never ending teeth repair?
Are you missing one or more teeth?
Are you losing your facial shape?
“Dr. McIntyre and staff were very professional and very friendly. I would recommend their services. I finally have a smile I don’t have to be cautious about and the color and uniformity, I was well pleased with. I now don’t have to pay monthly Dental Insurance, as well as all the procedures such as recrowning, new veneers, new fillings, teeth straightening and surgery and still would have the same worn out teeth if I hadn’t gone this route. I now don’t have to worry about picture takings and can smile with the best of them. I have had a lot of compliments about my new smile saying they look great. I certainly want to thank the staff to let them know I appreciate their professional treatment and the laughs we shared. Laughter is a great medicine and a smile is a big part of it. I want to thank Dr. Mcintyre for his expertise and knowledge going the EXTRA smile with me. I would recommend this treatment to others. It is not a overnite success story. It is a work in progress till your finals and then you keep your check-ups on time and do your maintenance daily. Just know you won’t be chewing anything for months and I thank my wife for preparing meals to get me thru those special needs months. I still have to go slow for a while but as is good. Thanks again,”
- Terry C.
Any reader interested in attending an event should call the contact person for that event to determine if registration and fees are applicable. All readers and encouraged to call to confirm that the event is still taking place prior to the event date. To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please email Leigh-Anne Lees at leighanne@vpas.info.
First Friday of the month | 9 am | Community Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg
Second Thursday of the month l 1 pm l Summit Square, Waynesboro
A support group offered by VPAS in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. Here is a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to:
• develop a support system
• exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions
• talk through issues and ways of coping
• share feelings, needs, and concerns
• talk about community resources
• Register at vpas.info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-6155341.
Fourth Tuesday of the month | 3 pm | Sunnyside Retirement Community, Harrisonburg
Caregiver Support groups provide interaction with other caregivers, resources, tips, ideas, and a safe outlet for sharing of feelings. Register at vpas. info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-615-5341.
Mondays at 3 pm or Wednesdays at 10:30 am
It can be difficult attending a support group in person if you are unable to leave your care partner alone at home. Here is a virtual solution. Groups gather on Zoom.
Register at vpas.info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-615-5341.
First Thursday of the month |1011:30 am | Massanutten Regional Library, Harrisonburg
Second Thursday of the month |1011:30 am | Rosenwald Community Center, Waynesboro
A safe space for caregivers and people living with dementia to attend together. There will be social time with other care partners, optional games, activities and refreshments, and Tai Chi for Memory exercise. Register at vpas. info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-615-5341.
Sept. 18 l 2-3 pm l Price Rotary Senior Center, Harrisonburg
Do you have artistic flair or just
want to dabble in the arts? Join us for a guided watercolor painting session. Materials are provided for this fall-themed, beginner level event. Your instructors will be the Joyful Painters, ladies who paint the things that reveal the power of joy. Register at vpas.info/recreation or call 540-615-5341.
Best Foot Forward: Falls Prevention
Open House
Sept. 20 l 1-4 p.m. l Lucy Simms Center Auditorium l Harrisonburg
Each year about 1 in 5 adults over 60 will fall. The good news is falls can be prevented. During this event, JMU Occupational Therapy students will perform fall risk assessments with supervision, Amy Depoy with Cardinal Care will share about falls prevention and making accommodations in the home, representatives with the Va. Dept. of Aging and Rehabilitative Services will share assistive technology related to falls prevention, and Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS will demonstrate/lead Tai Chi throughout the afternoon. Register at vpas.info/health-and-fitness or call 540615-5341.
Best Foot Forward: Falls Prevention Awareness Fair
Sept. 21 l 11 am-1 pm l VPAS
Waynesboro Senior Services l Waynesboro
Here is a fun, informative event for older adults who want to stay active and independent; families of aging parents; and caregivers. Enjoy fall risk screenings, interactive prevention activities, food and games, raffle tickets, and more! Register at vpas.info/healthand-fitness or call 540-949-7141.
Art and Care – Waynesboro Public Library
Oct. 5 l 2-3 pm
Nov. 2 l 2-3 pm
Calling all family caregivers! Enjoy simple, fun art creations while dis-
cussing triumphs and challenges of caregiving together. Call (540) 9426746.
Confident Caregiver Conference
Oct. 17 l 9 am-3 pm l Blue Ridge Community College
The third annual Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) caregiver conference will provide hope, health and healing for family caregivers. If you’re caring for an older adult loved one, don’t miss this invaluable day of resources, training, and inspiration. Sessions on: health care, life-planning, dementia. PLUS...Q&A panel, exhibits, lunch, and more! Register at vpas.info or call 540-615-5341.
Confident Caregiver Circle Series
Mondays, Oct. 23-Nov. 27 l 10 am – 11 am l North River Library, Bridgewater
Meet fellow caregivers on the same journey as you. Designed to provide education and support for caregivers of adults 60 and older. Share ideas, concerns, and questions. Learn about new opportunities that will help you take better care of yourself and your loved one. Topics include: building skills on stress management, physical activity and preventing injury, medication management, and planning for the future. Caregivers will be given a Building Better Caregivers text. Register at vpas. info/caregiver-support or call 540-6155341.
Wednesdays - Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15 l 12:30 pm-1:30 pm l Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is a national arts program developed for those living with dementia and other health concerns. These artists
are partnered with Bridgewater College student volunteers who will guide them through the process of creating abstract art. This program is person-centered and seeks to affirm the autonomy of each individual who participates.
Caregivers, drop off your loved ones in the church fellowship hall. The first week, you may stay and observe the art experience or just take the hour for yourself. The next 3 weeks, Heather Lawrence, our caregiver support coordinator, will be available to offer a quiet space to talk, relax, and get to know other caregivers. Register at vpas.info/caregiver-support or call 540-615-5341.
Dealing with Dementia – Bridgewater
Oct. 31 l 10 am-3:00 pm l VPAS Waynesboro
Senior Services, Waynesboro
Join us for this family caregiver workshop designed to help you understand dementia. Learn how to deal with problem behaviors, handle stress and find more time for yourself. Includes a 350+ page Dementia Caregivers Guide. Lunch provided. Register at vpas.info/
Caregiver FROM PAGE 6
than you are able to, physically, mentally, or financially.
Unlike many other changes in life, becoming a caregiver doesn’t always come with time to prepare. You may learn about a diagnosis and be thrust immediately into a new role. There may be little time to rearrange your schedule, meet with a supervisor at work to discuss your new demands, or find someone to take over regular tasks. Those in the “sandwich generation” are providing care for kids at the same time they are caring for their parents, and the strain on them can be immense.
The lack of time to prepare and the ongoing strain can take its toll on caregivers. In fact, according to the Family Caregiving Alliance, a very conservative estimate reports that 20 percent of family caregivers suffer from depression – twice the rate of the general population. They are more likely to suffer physically and financially, as well.
What can you do to prevent burnout and illness? You already know the oxygen mask analogy. On a plane, flight attendants tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself first so that you are able to help others. But, prioritizing yourself can be a challenge as a real-life caregiver. You might feel too stressed to eat or sleep well, for example, even though you know you need to do both to stay healthy. So
dementia-awareness or call 540-615-5341.
Mad Hatter Tea Party
Nov. 30 l 11 am-1 pm l VPAS Cafe Space at Waynesboro Senior Services, Waynesboro
Don’t be late for this special date!
You’re cordially invited to our Mad Hatter Tea Party! Take a stroll down the rabbit hole to a wonderland of delicious herbal teas. You’ll grin like the Cheshire Cat as you discover how these powerful elixirs can benefit your wellness and health. Sample many kinds of tea and create a signature potion of your very own. A smattering of delicacies will be offered to eat, but most importantly, there will be cake. Come dressed mad as a hatter or comfy and casual. You can be both at the same time. We’re all mad here. Bonkers. All the best people are. Register at vpas.info/recreation or call 540-949-7141.
VPAS Cafes – ongoing
New friends, a delicious meal, light exercise and recreational programming for adults 60 years and older. Find a café near you by visiting vpas.info/vpas-cafes or calling 540615-5341.
Here are some tips to try:
• Make a list of concrete ways individual people can help. It might be as simple as picking up a prescription, providing care coverage while you visit your own health care provider for an appointment, or taking your son to soccer practice. Put it by the phone or on the fridge. When friends or family offer to help, use the list.
• Use tech to get some help from a village. Try CaringBridge (caringbridge.org), GoFundMe (gofundme. com) or Take Them a Meal (takethemameal.com).
• Join a support group. There are people in our community on a similar journey. Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) hosts online and in-person groups, as well as programs for dementia care partners. Visit vpas.info/caregiver-support.
• Get Informed. Knowledge is power. It can make you a more confident caregiver and help relieve fear of the unknown. Look for workshops, conferences, guidebooks, online classes, or telehealth sessions that can build your understanding of your loved one’s condition. The Confident Caregiver Conference is one upcoming local opportunity you can attend at no cost. (See sidebar.)
Finally, give yourself a pat on the back. The pull toward guilt can be strong. Maybe your tone of voice wasn’t
break from electronic devices and open an opportunity for conversations. Talking about the puzzle will eventually lead to talking about whatever the child wants to discuss.
Choose a size that is not frustrating. Small children need small puzzles, but even 500-piece puzzles only need the space of one card table. Clean plastic meat and vegetable trays work great for sorting pieces by color and shape. Now, you’re also encouraging recycling. How many pieces will it take to make the outside edge the right dimensions for the size the puzzle is supposed to be? Measure and see!
There are many ways to get started. How do the shapes of pieces help them fit together? Some people pick color, others use shape, some people are stackers, some hate stacking pieces. Why are the differences in shape and color important? Work on making choices. Why does one fit, but another won’t work? Divide the puzzle into small segments for easier work. Children often get into competition to see who can fit the most pieces. Watching how the child works can tell you a lot about their personality and future work habits.
Puzzles are easy to find and budget friendly. Thrift shops and church libraries have a variety and are good places to start your puzzle collections. The ideal, of course, is to have a special puzzle place, so it does not all have to be done all at one time. The goal is to have fun!
Here’s to puzzling days ahead.
as cheerful as you wanted it to be when you were helping your husband take his pills. But, he took them. When you
“lean into love” you didn’t know possible as a caregiver, let that include loving yourself.
