Yesterday as part of the Monthly Caregiver Support Group at the Norfolk Adult Day Health Center in Norwood, I met with five family caregivers caring for loved ones living with long-term illness and disability (Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Parkinson’s, Arthritis, and Developmental Disability). I facilitated a 75-minute wellness workshop for them on the topic, “Take Care of Yourself: Seven Sustainable Skills for the Long-Term Care Journey.” They experienced: facilitated relaxation on a chair, deeper breathing, a “letting go” meditation, identifying a top “taking care” goal for the week, sharing with a partner and our small group, laughter, singing, and dancing on a chair.
Participants liked most:
“The calm and focus”
“Shared experiences”
“Teaming up”
“Self-care conversation about this week”
“I enjoyed it”
This workshop was free to participants and hosted by Mike O’Donnell, social worker and support group leader at Norfolk Adult Day Health Center. Free respite care was provided onsite by the center.
Moving forward with a listening heart,
vision, inquiry, and action,
~ Mary