December 2011

 

In This Issue

- Rituals Provide a Sense of Security for Seniors 

 

- Home Care Insight:

Blessing of and Aging Parent. 

   

- Caregiver Profile: Ranae Alderman

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For many elderly individuals, following familiar rituals can be comforting and provide a sense of normalcy and security.  Certain rituals or habits, even those as simple as getting a bath and eating meals at the same times each day, or using the same special cup or blanket, may help them feel that they retain some level of control over their lives. When the physical changes that occur with aging create a feeling of having no control, following familiar habits can offer a sense of predictability and certainty in very uncertain times.

In  the Fall 2011 issue of GENERATIONS – Journal of the American Society on Aging, Sherylyn Briller and Andrea Sankar wrote in The Changing Roles of Ritual in Later Life, that “Ritual gives meaning to significant—but often ordinary—features that characterize contemporary old age, and helps older adults and their families face challenges.”

Many of the rituals with which we are most familiar stem from cultural and/or religious traditions. The way we celebrate holidays, enjoy weekly family dinners, mark births, graduations, weddings, retirement and death “connect us to something beyond the individual through the shared sentiment and meaning that they create,” write Briller and Sankar.

Read entire article

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 Home Care Insight
By David Lawrence, CEO

Blessings of an Aging Parent

My dad died in August. He had suffered from Dementia with Lewy Bodies for many years. During the time he was sick, I did get to thank him for many things.

Thanks for showing me the value of hard work.
Thanks for your loyalty, intellect, and consistency.

Thanks for your sense of humor.
Thanks for going to my little league games

Having an aging parent and watching them slip away brings out the best and the worst in us.
Good memories, and memories that were not so good. I counted my blessings being Ernie Lawrence’s son at the same time wishing things could have been a bit different.

Thanks for showing me how to ride and fix my bike, and make great scrambled eggs.
Thanks for your curiosity about so many things and the lessons that you taught me.

In the end, the blessings won out. Wisdom and hope and life’s lessons are passed again from one generation to the next.

Thanks Dad.
Thanks for your faith in me.

May the blessings of this holiday season come to you and your family.

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Caregiver Profile: Ranae Alderman

Renae Alderman learned to appreciate the role of caregiver when she was caring for her own grandparents. During this time she dealt with many different home care agencies, none of which met the needs of her family. Ultimately Renae took over the job herself. Later, when her role as family caregiver was no longer needed, she looked for similar work in the Seattle area. Six and a half years ago she interviewed at Family Resource and has been with us ever since.  

“I knew a lot about home care agencies,” said Renae, “and when I walked into the Family Resource office I could tell it was a different kind of place. It had a warm atmosphere and I liked the staff. They work with you and are always available if you have questions.”

Renae loves having variety in her life and keeping busy. She will typically see 5-6 clients a day, working two hour shifts.  “When I walk into a client’s home I always have a smile on my face,” says Renae. “I let my clients know that there is no job too big for me to handle; there’s nothing so difficult it can’t get done; and that I have the situation under control. This helps them feel comfortable and reassured.”

“There are always things to do in every client’s home and I work quickly to get the tasks done so that I’ll have plenty of time to spend with my clients,” continues Renae. “To start conversations I’ll look around the room to see what they have kept and what they display.  This shows me what is important to them and that is what I’ll ask them about. They may think that their lives are not interesting but I think everyone’s life is a story and I’ll encourage them to talk. Of course some clients won’t want to talk, and that is okay too.”

Renae works out of the Tacoma office and her supervisor, Kelly, says Renae is an “absolutely fabulous caregiver.” She has exceptional assessment skills and a knack for ‘reading’ her clients needs. She then goes the extra mile to meet those needs, such as bringing Thanksgiving dinner to a client that has no family nearby. She is skilled, talented, kind, and a hard worker. We’re fortunate that six and a half years ago Renae found Family Resource.  She is truly a wonderful caregiver.”