Activities to Do While Isolating September 2020 Update

Caregiver Support Initiative Email Discussion Group 

The Caregiver Support Initiative Email Discussion Group is a virtual forum for family caregivers to connect with caregivers to start a discussion, ask questions, and give advice on caregiving-related topics. Below are some stories family caregivers have shared: 

On activities to do while isolating:

"I was thrilled when I found puzzles that my mom enjoyed that were specifically made for people with dementia by a puzzle company that sold them online. They feature subjects that are interesting to adults, and they came in varying levels of difficulty from 35 piece puzzles to 200 piece puzzles. Puzzles helped relax and engage her. It was an easy way to carry on a conversation and spend time together. When a new puzzle was delivered, it was like a little Christmas. We would make coffee, put down the ordinary tasks, and get right to it." 

On grief:

"Hi all, as the one-year anniversary of my wife's passing approaches, I have been going through photos of her and us when we were dating and first married over 40 years ago. I haven't looked at many photos in close to 30 years and was surprised to see us as such young and in love people as was evident in the photos. I don't even remember where some were taken or who took them, but others bring back wonderful memories. As hard as it is sometimes to relive those beautiful years, I am reminded how lucky we were to have found each other and then share the next 43 years. 

Read other stories and share your caregiving experiences by joining the email discussion group. There is no cost to become a member. Sign up at https://washoecaregivers.org/connect/ or call 775-333-5499. 

Self-Care for the Caregiver

Maintain Your Health: It is important that you keep up on your own health and consider yourself. Remember to eat well, exercise regularly, sleep well, and rest a little bit every day. Participate in pleasant, nurturing activities, such as reading a good book or taking a warm bath to maintain your mental health as well. 

For more self-care tips, please refer to your Washoe Caregivers Guidebook or visit our website, https://washoecaregivers.org/  

Elder Abuse during the time of COVID-19  

Luiza Benisano, Jean Myles, Lora Myles, and William Palmer wrote a blog on the uptick of elder abuse during the time of COVID-19. The blog discusses why there is an increase of elderly abuse during this time and what you can do to help out someone you suspect of being abused. To read more, click here: https://washoecaregivers.org/elder-abuse-during-the-time-of-covid-19/ 

We will get through this together

Thank you for your involvement in the Caregiver Support Initiative. We are working to keep connections close while community members physically distance.