Take Time For Yourself

There are many challenges that a caregiver faces while caring for a loved one. The holidays can bring additional stress to the already busy working families. Often the caregivers of those in need of senior care services are raising their own families and juggling between adult day care, medical appointments for mom or dad and assisting with Activities of Daily Life(ADL's). This is a tremendous act of love to stand by our loved ones in a time of need, yet it is important to remember that we all deserve some time for ourselves - to rest, recharge and do things we enjoy. That is what respite care offers a family; a break. While some may face the guilt of leaving their loved one, it is necessary for a caregiver to make time for themselves to be the best they can be. It is not always easy, but respite care is available to assist families with a much needed break to decrease stress and give you time to enjoy the holiday season with your family. Southern Companions has been providing respite care and senior care services for over five years. Along with Caring Together in Hope, we are glad to help families with financial assistance with limited resources who need respite care. Don't get burnt out, run down and stressed out this Christmas. Take time for yourself. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions are searched for. ~ Maya Angelou

Help For Mom And Dad

It is very common for families that we are assisting with senior care to be unaware of the resources that are available to help their moms and dad's needs. With the growing numbers of seniors as well as chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease there is the growing need for families to be well informed, get the assistance they need and be prepared for the future needs of their loved ones. Southern Companions' goal is to be a helpful resource to families and direct them to their needs in addition to home care services. One of the ways that we stay informed of senior care providers and educated on senior care issues is through local senior provider networks. North Georgia Senior Resources is a senior provider group in the Gainesville area where our home office is located. It is a group of senior providers that meets monthly to support and serve our senior community through education, networking and outreach. NGSR is a member of the Hall County Chamber and participates in local events such as expos, Senior Health Day with Legacy Link and the Alzheimer's Walk. The monthly meetings allow the various senior providers the opportunity to meet and learn about other senior providers including assisted living communities, hospice, home health, senior financial services and much more. Another tool that is very helpful for families in the North Georgia Community is the North Georgia Senior Resources' website and the directory. For those families who are in need of direction and guidance in the senior care for their loved ones, please visit www.Northgeorgiaseniorresources.com for more information. If you are a senior provider, please visit our site to find out when our next meeting is and come visit us.

Dealing With Aging Parents and Family Members

Many families are wrestling with the numerous issues of caring for their aging parents and family members. There are many legal questions about trusts, living wills, and other important documents such as Power of Attorney. The aging population are trying to navigate through Medicare, Long Term Care Insurance, Supplemental Plans, among others to understand what care is covered under their current plan. Those who are in rehabilitation, physical therapy or recently home from a hospital stay are looking for assistance at home. Family members often struggle with providing the care their loved ones need and are looking for answers to the resources available for a variety of needs including In-Home Care, Adult Day Care, Assisted Living Communities and Home Health Services. Southern Companions partnering with Apex Benefits and Blue Ridge Law are holding a free informational seminar, Dealing With Aging Parents and Family Members, for those with aging parents to provide answers questions to frequently asked legal questions, Medicare, Insurance and Aging In Place March 3rd, 2014 at CSB Bank in The Blue Ridge Community Room from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Parents are welcome to attend. This seminar is FREE and open to the community.