Submitted by Melissa Shaw
What is Options Counseling?
Options counseling is a person-centered service for older individuals or their caregivers. It is an interactive process whereby individuals are supported in making informed long-term support decisions based on their preferences, strengths, values, abilities and resources. It includes exploring options, assisting with accessing supports/services, following-up with the individual, and may result in the development of an action plan.
It is the SNI AOA’s mission to help our Elders be as independent as possible for as long as possible. We focus on providing programs and services that support and empower our Elders and their families. We work in partnership with a network of public and private organizations to accomplish this. If you have questions about our services or where to get help, we can assist you.
Briana Snyder, AOA Options Counselor, is happy to meet with individuals and their family members to discuss services and supports they need to maintain independence to the fullest extent possible.
For more information on Options Counseling, please contact Briana Snyder, AOA Options Counselor (716) 945-8991.
Caregiver Support – FEBRUARY 18TH IS NATIONAL CAREGIVER DAY
Add More Joy to Your Life
Being a caregiver of a loved one can take a toll on you physically and emotionally, especially when it comes to your joy. Here are some tips to help you add more joy to your life as a caregiver.
Create a joyful journal. Journaling is a safe place to write our innermost thoughts. A joyous or funny memory of your loved one, a joyous event that happened in the world, some upbeat lyrics to a song you love, or an inspirational quote.
Write a joyful mantra to post on your computer or refrigerator to say each morning. Mantra’s can encourage you to stay positive and in a joyous mood during those times when you are feeling low spirited.
Celebrate. Find ways to celebrate. Buy flowers, treat yourself to an “Off day” by getting friends and family on board so that you can have date night with your spouse, or a spa day or a day out golfing.
Buy something inexpensive for yourself like a coffee mug or t-shirt with a humorous or quirky saying.
Exercise always boots your mood. Although it may be difficult to find time to exercise as a caretaker it is essential self-care for your wellbeing. Take a walk, put on an exercise DVD, or turn on music and dance.
Be joyous around your loved one. Even if your loved one isn’t responsive talk joyously to him or her. Recall funny memories of past times, tell jokes, put on a comical or inspirational movie or sitcom for your loved one. Your loved one is much more than the disease he or she has and you are so much more than a caretaker.
Cultivate gratitude. Many research studies have shown that gratitude is associated with greater happiness. As caretakers you may feel hard-pressed to feel grateful during this time in your life as you care for an incapacitated loved one. In the midst of caretaking you have to purposely look for things, occasions, and signs to counter those emotions so they won’t weigh you down.
For more information on Caregiver Resources and Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes, please contact Briana Snyder at (716) 945-8991.
