November is National Caregivers Month and it seems exponentially more important to recognize this special group of people in the year of a worldwide pandemic.
Whether caring for an aging family member or an ill loved one in the home, or in a professional setting offering hospice needs, or serving as a home companion, the constant awareness that a novel coronavirus is easily spread adds an extra layer of worry to everyday tasks.
During these times — and for many other reasons — Teresa Bostic, executive director of the Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley, noted the “need to take care of the caregiver” to prevent burnout.
One way to ease some stress is to tap into the variety of programs offered by the Shepherd’s Center.
Bostic describes the Shepherd’s Center as an interfaith ministry that helps sustain mature adults toward independent living “by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, community service, caring relationships and spiritual growth.”
Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley has a list of caregivers in the area. Potential caregivers call to provide their name and contact information, which is then passed on to local families that are looking for help for their family.
“We make sure the older adults are able to get to their medical appointments, grocery shopping, get their medication, etc. by providing transportation for those who no longer are able to drive themselves,” shared Bostic. “This has changed due to the COVID pandemic. We went by guidelines from the Greenbrier County Health Department and state mandates. We did not transport for several months due to our volunteers and recipients both being older adults and more susceptible to the virus. We did grocery shopping/pickup for recipients ‘no contact.’”
Bostic noted other changes imposed in the pandemic, “We went from our ‘Friendly Visitor’ service to ‘Friendly Caller.’ We did not go visit our older adults in person, but we did call and just chatted for a bit. Social isolation is a rising problem among our older adults. They feel alone and they have no one there for them. They love getting the phone calls and knowing there is someone they can call if an issue arises or if they want to talk for a few minutes. We have gotten 43 new volunteers for this program and 48 recipients who joined this program. We have had several from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine join our volunteer staff and they have been calling our older adults. Several have said it is like talking to one of their grandparents — they love it on both sides of the conversation!”
Services offered by the Shepherd’s Center are varied. Gwen’s Meals preparation and delivery has not stopped during this pandemic. Most of area churches continue preparing meals for 110 people each week for both eastern and western Greenbrier County. Volunteer drivers deliver the meals each week. This not only provides good “home cooked” meals for the recipients, but a chance to chat from the porch or steps to make sure they are doing alright and have no immediate needs.
The organization’s Handy Helper program continues installing wheelchair ramps, safety grab bars for the bath, etc. so that older adults are safer in their homes. Shepherd’s Center assists local food pantries in providing food for individuals and families. Adventures in Learning has been holding classes online this session.
“It was a learning experience for all of us. Everyone who attended [Adventures in Learning] enjoyed ‘seeing’ others in their classes, learning about our local history and those ongoing projects in the area,” Bostic explained. “We even had a candidate presentation where we ‘met’ those running for local offices and learned what their plans were for the county and state.”
Despite the challenges of caregiving, the effort has rewards that can last a lifetime for those who undertake the responsibility. Shawna Skaggs of Greenville made a tough decision that allowed her to show her “Gram,” Helen Barth, much-deserved appreciation for raising her as her own daughter.
“In 2012, I talked my grandmother into living with me. She never wanted to be taken care of. After a few falls, she needed to be taken care of. My grandmother slowly declined from 2015 until her death in November of 2016,” Shawna explained. “I gave up my job, a lot of my freedom… putting my life on hold to care for the woman who took me in at 18 months old and raised me, took care of me and molded me into the person I am today.”
Her grandmother’s health issues took a toll on Shawna. “The hardest part was watching her every day, take of few steps closer to earning her wings. I did everything I could, not just for her but for myself to make her time left on this earth comfortable, being loving and creating memories we could both take with us.”
Comforts and memories grew out of simple gestures. Shawna made an occasion out of the smallest things — like cooking her Gram’s favorite homemade soups, daily “tea time,” frequent manicures and pedicures, and extra special “spa days.”
“My choice to care for my grandmother was one of the easiest and hardest decisions I ever made. Knowing she never wanted to be in a nursing home, I gave her the peace of mind that when that day came, she was in her own bed, in the care of a loved one, and all her wishes taken care of,” Shawna remembers. “It was heart-breaking but rewarding all wrapped up in each of my grandmother’s hugs. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I will forever miss her and carry her with me.”
During National Caregivers Month — and the other 11 months of the year — remember to reach out to a caregiver by offering them a break for a few hours, pay for an afternoon at a salon, invite them to dinner, or simply extend a shoulder to cry on or offer an ear to listen. In other words, take care of the caregiver.
For more information about the Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley, visit the non-profit’s Facebook page or call 304-645-4196.
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