Tips and thoughts on life as a caregiver

1. “Love Me Tender”
A Caregiver’s Anthology
Jill Hickman, SPHR
Jill Hickman Companies
www.jillhickman.com
www.focus-on-success-coach.com

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Jill Hickman Companies
Dedicated to the memory of my father,
James L. Ward
and
to honor my mother, Vertie Ward,
who cared for him

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Jill Hickman Companies
Today’s Purpose
 Making time for yourself
 Taking care of others
 Finding peace in chaos

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Making Time for Yourself
“Funny How Time Just Slips Away”
 Commit to a schedule for YOU
 Exercise
 Socialize
 Spiritual Needs
 Pampering

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Taking Care of Others
“The Wonder Of You”
 Be the light that brightens their day
 Play the biggest role that you know
 Set an example for others
 Forgive yourself for being human

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Taking Care of Others
“That’s All Right”
 Schedules for others:
 Plan ahead and schedule events in advance to
provide sense of control and positive
anticipation
 Include opportunities to exercise and socialize
 Maintain dignity and respect:
 Keep personal items out of sight
 Ensure privacy

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Taking Care of Others
“Walk A Mile In My Shoes”
 The pain of growing old:
 Tears
 Fears
 Personal hygiene:
 Assist with bathing & dressing
 Keep them warm
 Make things EASY to access and use

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Taking Care of Others
“I Feel So Bad”
 Doctor visits:
 Prepare list of medications & allergies
 Furnish lab reports, xrays – bring them with you
 Bring calendar to schedule future appointments
 Call all attendants by first name
 Ask the patient for permission to ask questions of
doctor and to take notes
 Direct all questions/comments/instructions to patient
 Debrief with patient immediately following visit to
ensure understanding; review written notes

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Finding Peace in Chaos
“If I Can Dream”
 Support systems – friends and pets
 Family conflict – eliminate “who’s right”
 Financial & legal aid
 Take life one minute, one day at a time
 Know that nothing lasts forever
 Remembering why we do this…

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Precious “Memories”
 The ones we have
 The ones we create
 The one we leave

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Jill Hickman Companies
A Blessing For You, The Caregiver
“Amazing Grace”
May the Lord bless you for all that you do
each minute, each day
The Lord knows it’s not easy, he knows that
you’re not perfect
He does know that you care, you try and
you cry
Go in peace, go in love and let the light of
God always shine through you.

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Jill Hickman Companies
Thank You & Bless You
AND
Remember…
“You’ll Never Walk Alone”