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Don’t Carry the Burden Yourself

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I like to think of my Caregivers as “Inspired Caregivers” because we focus on the

Caregiver instead of the patient, offering a spiritual retreat from the 36-hour

mental and physical responsibilities of caregiving.  I welcome ALL Caregivers

responsible for a loved one regardless of the physical and/or mental illness

because ALL Caregivers share so many common bonds.  Whether the patient has

Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinsons, Cancer, PTSD or any other illness, ALL

Caregivers face the same risks for potential burnout and emotional despair.

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Julie facilitates Caregiver Support Groups on a regular basis. The groups focus

on the empowerment and well-being of the caregiver.

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Job Description of a Caregiver—

  • Age: No minimum or maximum

  • Sex: Male or female

  • Race: Black, brown, red, yellow, or white

  • Caregiving experience: None required

  • Location: Anywhere in the world

  • Relationship to patient: Can be related or unrelated

  • Patient disorders: Chronic illness or disabilities

  • Patients: Parents, siblings, lovers, children, spouses, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and others

  • Compensation: Volunteer and paid professional

  • Length of workday: 24 hours, plus

  • Length of assignment:   Several days to a lifetime

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Job Responsibilities  

Must be willing to:

  • Make life and death decisions in an instant.

  • Assist with or perform activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing and dressing.

  • Manage housework, meals, laundry and groceries.

  • Administer medication and other healthcare tasks.

  • Provide emotional support and companionship.

  • Assume legal responsibilities.

  • Consult with healthcare professionals.

  • Stand up for patient’s needs against all odds, including disagreeing with family members and professionals.

  • Ensure that others don’t take advantage of patient.

  • Secure environment so that patient is physically safe.

  • Be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  • Plan activities for people who may not have memory or mobility.

  • Chart and record key information about patient.

  • Watch patient deteriorate and/or die.

  • Be emotionally strong.  Caregiving provokes intense sadness

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By visiting our site we hope you will find Comfort, Empowerment and Support for yourself and your Caregiver team.  The products and services have been specially designed to complement the awesome task of Caregiving.

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Caring for a Loved One with Physical and/or Mental Illness

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DURING THESE PANDEMIC TIMES, BOTH SUPPORT GROUPS JULIE FACILITATES ARE SUSPENDED:  Doctors Hospital and Veterans' Caregivers at Mindspa. 

To be updated, email Julie at caregivercomfort@aol.com a request to be added to her Caregiver email list and she will keep you posted on Caregiver events and services. 

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We want to welcome you to our

caregivers’ support group that

focuses on you, the caregiver,

offering a retreat from the never

ending mental and physical

responsibilities of caregiving. This

free group provides compassionate

support and an opportunity to explore

new solutions together to caregiver

challenges.

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Doctors Hospital is home to the area’s

only voluntary inpatient behavioral

health program dedicated to the needs

of adults. They offer specialized care to

meet your unique needs in a private and

spacious environment.

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For more information, call (888) 685-1596.

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FREE Monthly Lunch and Support Group for Veterans’ Caregivers

and Veterans Caring for a Loved One

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Date: Third Monday Monthly
Time: 12:15 PM to 1:45 PM

Location: Mindspa Integrative Wellness Center

5632 Bee Ridge Road, Unit 101 (Next to VA Clinic)

Lunch Sponsor: Mindspa Integrative Wellness Center

Cost: FREE

Registration Required: Four Days Prior to Group Meeting

E-mail Julie Cook Downing; caregivercomfort@aol.com

Facilitator: Julie Cook Downing

President, Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC   

                                                                         

In this group you will:

  • Share sacred and confidential space with others having similar concerns and challenges

  • Have a relaxed retreat from the 36-hour mental and/or physical responsibilities of caregiving

  • Discuss a highly interactive topic that will provide solutions to many caregiving challenges

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