Hello and Welcome!
I am sooooo glad you are here! 🎵🎄💝🌞☕
– Judy Shone –
Q: Are you an informal, unpaid caregiver, a family member? a spouse? partner? friend or neighbour? or caregiver support?
Q: Is your loved one’s need for care related to memory loss?
A: This caregiver-focused site is for you.
THE INTENTION and HOPE:
…to help others understand the caregiving life of caregivers of those with memory loss;
…to connect with the hearts and minds of caregivers walking an unfamiliar path;
…to be support for caregivers managing their own life while caring for another;
…to encourage others to reach out as reassurance so no one feels alone.
GOOD NEWS!
Learning from other caregivers will make interactions easier for those who want to understand, or those who want to offer assistance.
“Sometimes your caregiver stories find their way into my life
at just the moments I need them.” ~ Carla S., caregiver, blog reader
Since becoming a caregiver, I have heard and
read stories of many who tend to those who need care.
I have learned that caregivers:
…display the bravery of gladiators,
…possess the natural ability of geniuses,
…draw upon the wisdom of sages;
…borrow magic from wizards,
…hold hands with angels,
…confirm the selflessness of parents,
…are gifted with shoulders of Atlas;
…are so busy caring for their loved one that they don’t realize they need to take time to laugh!!
Caregivers are God’s treasures in the universe.
————————————————-Judy 🤗
“Stories break through into the heart space.”
Walking Each Other Home, by Ram Dass & Mirabai Bush
Accepting the Gift of Caregiving is not just the name of a blogsite and is not just the name of the book series of my journey. Acceptance is a process that many caregivers go through by the caring experiences we live, from the desperation, and sometimes even the despondency, we feel until we reach awareness, insight and understanding and eventually acceptance. It is not an easy journey.
My purpose in writing Accepting the Gift of Caregiving blogsite and books is to be support and encouragement as caregivers make their way from that desperation to acceptance, from anxieties to courage.
READ OUR CAREGIVER-WRITTEN STORIES
We know from childhood that we learn from stories.
In that same way, I hope our stories will:
1. broaden the knowledge base for a caregiver’s toolbox, and
2. guide those who, by choice, support them.
The authors of these stories are caregivers who stepped up to, or fell into, the role of caring for loved ones with memory loss. They are family members, friends, or those who encourage and support caregivers.
Caregivers can also be professionals in the field of caring, as well as members of support teams. They have lived in the world of caregiving and have helped carry the burdens for those who no longer can manage on their own.
Quick Overview
1- Alzheimer’s Connections – It is important to get knowledgeable guidance.
Read Alzheimer Society downloadable brochures and publications.
2- Helpful pages :
24/7 Help lines … related to Ontario, Canada …and dementia
Caregiver ACTIVITY Ideas links- Inspiration to work with loved one on activities they seem to inherently select.
Education and Resource Links – local and online sources for help
Caregiver Tips – especially Self-care, NEW ONES ADDED FRQUENTLY
Quintessential Caregiver Support – make your life better
Caregiver Social Support – links
Audio previews – readings from the “Is There Any Ice Cream?” book.
Blog stories -…read “Goin’ to the HOP” honouring caregiver survivors.
3- RSS Reading Options – find newest online research posted.
4- Favourite reader story choices:
see All Titles or Story Excepts on menu and Blog Post Excerpts.
5. It is fun to know The Backstory…includes clues to the titles of my two caregiving books!📚
NOTE: The words on this site are intentionally darker in contrast to the white background and are a ‘tad’ larger than normal for easier reading by aging eyes.
💖 We look forward to seeing you walking beside us. 💖
HEAR THE WORDS SPOKEN – “A Conversation for Caregivers with Judy Shone“
Sometimes we like to hear the voice of the person who wrote the words. Listening helps me get a sense of that person’s tone, perhaps the personality and demeanor of the author. For me, it helps me feel I know them and when I read I hear their voice,I am comfortable. It is with that in mind that I direct you to the interview video with the Alzheimer Society, “A Conversation for Caregivers with Judy Shone.”
Production by Halton Hills Public Library, Moderated by Danielle Arbour, Education Coordinator with Alzheimer Society, Hamilton Halton.
Read the Oakville Beaver/In Halton press release about the video.
WALK WITH CAREGIVERS
her loved one
I invite you to walk with me and my guest authors who reveal joys and sorrows from their personal caregiving experiences.
We all share in the hopes that you will find something new and meaningful that you can take away to use or share on your journey.
Although we may never meet in person, I still hope you will let these words shine a light on your path.
Do not feel alone … contact me !
Remember the name of this site, nine(9) syllables long!
Ac-cept-ing the gift of care giv-ing dot com.
Accepting the Gift of Caregiving
🌞 Bookmark this page so you can easily return often for moments of reassurance. 😊
Put your arms around your shoulders and squeeze…that’s a bear hug from me. -Jas
Annie B and Archie Bear are the source of bears and bear hugs associated with these books seen on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
When you see a bear, feel the hugs from Annie B and Archie and me!! 💕
Remember, you are my sunshine!🌞
Judith Allen Shone
Sense the caregiver’s life through the knowledge and encouragement shared here.
Find caregivers encouraging caregivers as they disclose their uncertainties and reveal ways they have navigated along their journey.
Feel verbal hugs of comfort to tuck away for your months and years ahead.
If you ‘Like’ this site
please consider taking a moment to let me know,
and what you liked about it so we can continue to offer
articles, authors, and resources that are meaningful to readers.
I appreciate that your are here…Thank you. ~jas
LEARN MORE:
The Backstory…learn the source of the titles!
Visit – Caregiver Alzheimer Story – Caregiver Challenges,
and the site for the set, caregiver-books.com
December 18, 2019 © Judith Allen Shone, updated regularly
I have been a caregiver most of my life. Starting at age 12.
Thank you for visiting our stories, Donna. Your expertise is a value to the world of caregivers. I hope you will consider sharing a short story here. 🙂