11 minute read
Self-care For Family Caregivers: Senior Focus
By Kari Bell, River Garden Senior Services
When you are caring for others, it is easy to forget to care for yourself. Yet, focusing on self-care is very important so that you prevent frustration and burnout. In fact, many studies show that caregivers are at a much greater risk for signifi cant health problems, as well as an increased risk for depression, if they don’t take care of themselves.
Advertisement
Of course, when you step up and become a caregiver it is admirable, demonstrating familial love and commitment. But, the sheer amount of work can be overwhelming and the emotional swings can be drastic. In most cases you can’t ‘fi x’ the situation. How can you adjust and cope more eff ectively?
1. Take Care of You
Like legs of a stool, consider sleeping, eating and exercising to stay well-balanced. If one leg is cut short, everything starts to wobble. Don’t let your own health suff er while providing care for another.
2. Accept Help for You
It is essential that you ask for and accept help. Don’t wait until you are overwhelmed. People will not realize you need help if you do not explain your situation and ask for assistance. What are some small tasks that would help you? Keep a short list on-hand; small tasks like visiting with your loved one a couple of times a week, doing a grocery run, making a meal or helping with paperwork are simple ways others can help.
3. Make Time For You
Self-care comes more naturally to some. If you struggle with feeling selfi sh about taking time for yourself, talk to a trusted friend. They will probably remind you that everyone needs a break from work, including caregiving. And, because some caregiving situations are more stressful than others, you might require a diff erent amount of time for yourself than another. For example, caring for a person with dementia is often more frustrating than caring for someone with a physical handicap.
Outline some options that would help. You might start with a personal time at home; later you may need to fi nd ways to get out of the house, go to appointments or spend time with friends. You might try in-home care or adult day at River Garden.
“I hear wonderful stories about how the Adult Day Program provides much needed relief for family caregivers,” says Erica Hickey, Adult Day Manager at River Garden. “They tell me they love the time during the day to do what they need to do, knowing their loved one is here safe. Plus, they don’t have to worry about activities or meals – we do all that – and their loved one goes home tuckered out from the day.”
Ask friends or doctors for ideas. Find resources online or through a support group. Try one or two to see what works for you and for your loved one. Don’t let your self-care fall by the wayside. It is important and caregiving is not easy. It is not selfi sh to focus on your own needs and desires when you are a caregiver—in fact, it may be more important than ever, as you are now an advocate for another.
By Rabbi Maya Glasser, Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple
How do you care for yourself? During our stressful lives, often the concept of putting ourselves fi rst comes last. We reach out to others, giving time and energy to people around us. It is easy to care about those we love and more diffi cult to devote that time and energy to ourselves. Yet, in order to assist in fueling others, we have to put gas into our own tanks.
How do you care for yourself? Judaism teaches that every being was created in the image of God. Each person possesses a divine spark. We usually think of this concept when we strive to create an equal society. But we also need to remember that we, ourselves, are holy. Along with recognizing the sparks in others, it is important to remember that you are also sacred. You are created in the divine image. Recognizing that is a signifi cant part of self care.
How do you care for yourself? As we end the secular year and look ahead to new beginnings, I challenge each of you to think about a way to care for yourself. Care comes in many forms: physical, emotional, spiritual. You can do your best to sleep more, or concentrate on your mental health. There are many ways to fi ll your own tank and honor the spark of divinity that resides inside of you. One of my favorite resources is the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. They share daily meditations to help us care for ourselves, as well as off er classes and materials focused on healing and self-transformation.
As we continue on our journeys, may you fi nd moments of rest amidst the chaos. May you navigate the stresses of life by caring for yourself. May you remember that you are divine, and worthy of nurturing your mind, body and spirit.
NOSH ON THIS
SHARING RECIPES
APPLE CAKE
By Stacy Seslowsky, Jewish Community Alliance
21
Apple cake was a staple on my table growing up, so, why not create a healthy version that can be enjoyed guilt-free to start the year off right?
There are health benefi ts from every ingredient included in this cake recipe! Eggs are full of choline which is an essential nutrient used by our bodies in every cellular process and are incredibly healthy for our brains. Nuts are full of vitamins,
INGREDIENTS
2 cups blanched almond fl our (not almond meal) 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp Celtic sea salt ½ tsp cinnamon ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 4 large eggs ½ cup honey ¼ cup olive oil 1 tsp almond extract 1½ diced apples (1 - 2 apples, leave a few apple slices for decoration) 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans ½ cup dates chopped minerals, healthy fats and fi ber which makes them a superfood in my book. Dates have benefi ts for our gut, hormones and bones. Honey is a very healthy sugar alternative, apples contain more antioxidants than almost any other food – and are rich in fi ber, vitamins, and minerals. In my opinion, this apple cake recipe tops the rest because it doesn’t contain sugar or unhealthy fats, and it is gluten and dairy-free.
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch round pan and cover in parchment paper.
2. Mix the almond fl our, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together in a large bowl.
3. In another large bowl, mix applesauce, eggs, honey, olive oil, almond extract and whisk.
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix.
5. Fold the diced apples, nuts and dates into the batter
6. Pour the batter into the round baking pan. Top with a few slices of apples to decorate the top.
7. Bake for 50 - 55 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.
SEE & BE SCENE
THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA 23
1200+ men, women and children gathered for a community-wide Chanukah celebration at the Nocatee Spray Park on the third night of Chanukah. The gathering, organized by Chabad of St. Johns, featured a glowing menorah lighting ceremony and the dramatic Helicopter “Gelt” Drop, where thousands of chocolate Chanukah coins rained down from a helicopter in a spectacular shimmering shower, followed by the crowd of kids rushing in to collect their chocolate treasures.
SEE & BE SCENE
Community members at Hanukkah & Hockey Night with the Jacksonville Icemen.
Our Shaliach Stav Brener attended the Israeli-American National Summit. He made strong and meaningful connections with other Jewish professionals and created future partnerships. Stav shared stories about our Federation & Foundation and Jewish community.
Alan Margolies celebrating his retirement from Jewish Federation & Foundation by lighting the menorah with current and past presidents.
Rabbi Maya Glasser led the Chanukiah lighting as Hazzan Holzer lit the candles with Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum.
SEE & BE SCENE
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School middle school students with letters & gifts from their senior buddies at River Garden/The Coves.
The 5th Annual JTLI/USY Ugly Hanukkah Sweater Party with the residents of The Coves occurred during Hanukkah. It was so good to be together again after a year of being together virtually. Bingo, treats and gift giving were so much fun!
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students created their own shields in celebration of the Maccabee victory
Martin J. Gottlieb Day School students built circuits and made light-up Hannukah cards using LEDs, batteries, and conductive tape. DuBow Preschool Hannukah performance
At the Jacksonville Jewish Center, 3rd - 5th grade members of Chalutzim with Youth Advisor Jacob Ruby light the hanukkiah they created as they made and submitted a video for the residents of River Garden and The Coves.
The Women's Philanthropy Steering Committee of the JF&F welcomed new CEO Mariam Feist with a gathering to share their favorite things. Attendees put together an album that included their favorite things to do in Jacksonville. Also, they shared in a gift exchange of their favorite things, which helped Mariam get to know a little something about each woman. It was a special morning full of warmth and hospitality.
The Jacksonville Jewish Center enjoyed celebrating the last night of Hanukkah in the company of friends and family. Each family lit their hanukkiah together as a community, with a flame started from the clergy’s sh’mash. We then shared a meal, played in a dreidel tournament, and ate delicious latkes.
SEE & BE SCENE River Garden Shares the Spirit of Thanksgiving!
Faye Price enjoys a visit with her daughter, Sherri. Janice Hayflick (C) shares her Thanksgiving meal with daughter, Bonnie and friends.
Alan & Lois Chepenik enjoy the company of Naomi Lazar for Thanksgiving at The Coves.
Sarah Dymond, the new Administrator at The Coves, greets Debby Katz before Thanksgiving lunch. Betty & Joseph Abisch are finely dressed for the occasion.
Mauri Mizrahi (L) recognizes Bernadeth Palompo (R) at River Garden. Bernadeth recently celebrated her 26th year of service and was named Director of Nursing in 2021.
River Garden's Hanukkah Happenings!
Rabbi Horowitz with the Torah Academy Boys’ Choir
Evelyn Peck with Joey Morgenthal and Brennan Zaner for Buddy Box
The Jacksonville Kollel celebrated Chanukah with our annual game night. Our guests enjoyed cocktails, snacks and an entertaining family feud game, “Do you know your rabbis?” A great time was had by all!
Leslie Held, Director of Jewish Life, and Dr. Joseph at the Hanukkah Party
River Garden staff making latkes
