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Barter your way to caregiver success
January 2009
by Vicki Rackner MD

We start a new year in a new world. We will build successful lives with different tools and measure success with different yardsticks than in years passed. This is the time for creativity and innovation in all parts of our lives.

My friend Suzy and I stumbled on an arrangement that works so well it feels like cheating. It started simply enough. A few years ago our families got together for Sunday night dinner. It went so well we did it the next week then the next. Now it's our two family ritual. I offer some details in hopes that you can create similar magic in your own life as a busy caregiver.

Suzy and I are both single parents of only children. Both of us work full time outside of the home. Suzy's daughter Mia and my son Meir are the same age and they enjoy each other's company. Sometimes they almost behave like siblings. Suzy is an imaginative parent who brings out the best in kids. Cooking, however, is not on her top 10 list of favorite activities. I love cooking and enjoy it even more when I'm not distracted by my son. When the kids were younger, Suzy would take the kids out to play while I made dinner. We ate, and then enjoyed some performance the kids put together. Each of us contributes to the evening. More importantly, each of us contributes in a way that that is effortless.

Sometimes Suzy mutters something about imposing on me since I do the cooking. I'm quick to remind her that the only thing she is imposing is her belief that cooking is burdensome for me like it is for her. I remind her that cooking is a great pleasure for me. Plus I'm as grateful for the smiles she helps put on the on the kids' faces as she is for the meal.

Caregiving is a labor-intensive job and an expensive undertaking. Time, money and energy are all tight. The purchase of services that give you personal time and emotional nutrition may feel like luxuries you think you cannot afford. Yet, help with cleaning, cooking, or childcare/eldercare services as you exercise may mean the difference between successful caregiving and burn-out.

What if you could create arrangements like Suzy and I did? What if you could spend more of your time doing things that brought you joy and less time doing things that drained you? Further, what if you could find ways of doing things that need to be done in a way that works for you?

Caregiving is not a solo sport. While you've heard this a million times, here's something that may be news for you. Caregiving is hard for everybody; it's just hard for different people in different ways. Once you know what's easy for you and what's hard for you, you can join forces with others to create win-win solutions.

You can construct a life as a caregiver that works for you. Consider pooling resources with neighbors, friends and family. Barter your way to caregiver success.

Here are some caregiver barter ideas:

    * Trips to the pharmacy

    * Make a meal

    * A manicure

    * Mow the lawn or shovel the snow

    * Take someone to a doctor appointment

    * Weekly vacuuming

    * An hour of home maintenance

    * Walk the dog

    * Take the kids to swim lessons

    * Play cards with an elderly parent


Would you like to bring a message of hope to your next caregiver event?
If you are planning a caregiver event, you want to assure that your speaker offers a message that makes the lives of caregivers better today. A caregiver's time is too precious to waste.

Consider inviting Dr. Rackner to speak at your next meeting. Here's what conference attendees say about her presentations.

    * Fantastic speaker. Kept our rapt attention and had a lot of interesting solutions.

    * Thank you Dr. Rackner for your words of wisdom.

    * Excellent presentation, a very wonderful way of speaking --you connect really well with others.

    * Very well presented - much insight into people's needs and cares.

Keynote Ideas
Here are some keynote presentations you could share with your meeting participants.

What about ME?
The ultimate caregiver dilemma It happens to everyone. Caregivers neglect their own needs, then try to ignore their guilt, resentment and anger. Learn how to care for the caregiver, and manage dark feelings so they can serve you rather than imprison you.

The Elephant in the Exam Room:
Overcoming the REAL barriers to good partnerships between patients, doctors and caregivers (Hint: it's not just having the right list of questions to ask your doctor) What REALLY gets in the way of good health care? If you're like most people, it may be fear and embarrassment and the need to be a good/nice patient. Get some tips for handling the elephants in the exam room.

Perfect Health: The myth, the fantasy and the reality
Christopher Reeve was the picture of perfect health in the days he played Superman. After Mr. Reeve's accident he wanted to end his life. Then something happened. Mr. Reeve became a real life Superman as he immersed himself in his new life in his new body. Learn how to embrace health and feel whole even if the body is wounded.

To learn more, please contact us at 425 451-3777 or drop us an email info@medicalbridges.com.

 

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