We All Could Use A Puppy In A Basket Right Now

Thoughts and Feelings:

What a long 5 months it has been, so many feelings of uncertainty, sadness, fear, and negativity.  The stress has affected everyone in the world.  What a powerful thought, that every single person in our world has been negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Would not a puppy in the basket be a welcome feeling!  A feeling that we have not had much of in the past 5 months.  Something that makes us completely forget all the negativity that is swirling in our heads. What better than a puppy in a basket (okay, maybe a baby giggling at a puppy in a basket) to bring us that feeling of joy.

Negative Thoughts duringthe COVID-19 crisis:

Primary Caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia have been hit especially hard by the pandemic and the isolating limitations that it has put on their support systems.  Caregivers rely on outside resources such as family and friends, paid caregiving agencies, support group meetings and adult day care programs to enable them to function daily.

When COVID-19 brought lockdowns and quarantines, the media gave significant attention (rightly so) tothe breakdown and mismanagement of our nations long term care system – but what about thehundreds of thousands of families across the nation who do not live in a long term care facility and depend on community support services for their adult loved ones? They suddenly found themselves alone, unprepared,distant from their support systems, under prioritized by the government authorities and full of negative thoughts and feelings.

Positive Thoughts during COVID-19 crisis:

Is it possible for these Primary Caregivers to think positive thoughts after months of crisis?  I hope to give some ideas here in this blog.  Many community services for the elder population have resumed at a limited capacity, so taking advantage of those services is key to recovering from the exhaustion and negativity of the past 5 months.  Remember the movement of motivation speakers from Norman Vincent Peale to Tony Robbins of the power of positive thinking?  We have not heard anything from the media or government on that subject, but I believe that even a little motivation to change our thoughts each day will help.

Your thoughts affect your actions. 

• Gratitude thoughts are a great way to spend a few minutes each day. What are you grateful for at this moment?
• FaceTime, Zoom and other avenues to connect with family has become a positive in everyone’s lives now. Make a date to connect with a member of your support system each day for a lighthearted conversation.
• Sign-up for daily inspirational messages/affirmations, you will be surprised how these can affect your mood in a positive way.
• Order a copy of “Chicken Soup for the Caregivers Soul”
• Limit media information each day, none of it is positive and most is repetitive.
• Music always lifts the mood, so make sure you enjoy your favorites each day.

I wish you all peace and joy as we navigate the upcoming fall season.  Continue to reach out to the resources available in your community, make them aware of what you need to continue to give loving care to yourself and the one you are caring for.

I am always happy to connect with anyone in need of guidance on their caregiving journey, please feel free to call or email me directly.

Warm regards,

Kara Harvey-CEO

Elder-Well®

508-655-2536

kara@elderwelladultday.com