caregiving

Gratitude for our Donors

As the Executive Director at Zen Caregiving Project, I have been thinking a lot about gratitude as we move into the new year. I find myself deeply moved by the generosity of our community who recognize the importance of the work we do and support us with financial gifts. The generosity you extend is uplifting. You offer me the opportunity to dwell in the warm glow that gratitude engenders.

Each evening, my wife, Kristin, and I share a practice of feeding gratitude. Before we settle in for our nighttime reading or sleep, we share with each other three things from our day we are grateful for. More often than not, our lists extend beyond just three things. This is a wonderful way of reminding ourselves of our privilege and good fortune. It is a way of ending the day on an uplifting note.

For the last several weeks, you have been included in my gratitude practice. I know that there are countless other ways to spend your hard earned money. There are many other organizations doing great work worthy of your support. And yet you choose to contribute to the work we do.

In the relationship between donor and donee, the circle of giving and receiving may not be so obvious. You send your check or make a donation online, and our staff and those whom we serve do not get to look you in the eye to acknowledge your generosity. Our warm glow of gratitude and joy is not immediately visible to you. I want you to know that your gift makes a difference. Your support inspires us to continue working to expand our impact. Your gift is a recognition of the importance of what we do. It is encouragement to persevere even when conditions make it challenging for us to get our work out there into the world. Your support is a vote of confidence.


When I began doing this work many years ago I was focused on what I could give– my energy, my time, my attention–to others. I suffered from the delusion that the benefits of serving others went one way, from me to the person I was caring for. In fact, I recall feelings of joy and lightness as I left a caregiving shift. I began to realize there was a reciprocity inherent in caregiving. I started to see I was getting as much out of the experience of serving others as they were getting. I learned it is impossible to care for others without getting something back in return.


Thank you for your financial support. And, thank you for the opportunity to experience the deep sense of connection that receiving and gratitude offers.

CAREGIVING RESOURCES

Table of Content


Caregiving Organizations

AgingCare

A website to support families. The site has an active online forum where caregivers can share their experience and learn from others by asking questions, giving answers, or participating in a group discussion.

Caregiver Action Network

CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) provides articles, videos, and peer support to family caregivers across the country free of charge. They cover a broad range of topics from practicalities such as medication and nutrition management, to caregiver self-care to navigation of the medical system.

Family Caregiver Alliance

This non-profit’s mission is to improve the quality of life for caregivers and the people who receive their care. Their website has an online learning center and links to many other resources such as in-person support groups.

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Specialized Support

Alzheimer’s Association

For those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, this website has clear and easy to access information on practical and emotional elements of caregiving.

American Cancer Society

The caregiver page of the website has an interactive caregiver resource guide, articles, and videos on cancer-related caregiver topics, online communities, and links to other support groups. 

Companioa from the Institute on Aging

A paid-for service, to support caregivers of loved ones with dementia. This service pairs you with a personal “Care Coach”, a trained dementia expert. The Care Coach helps assess your loved one’s needs, map out a care plan and meet with you bi-monthly to discuss the plan and your needs.

George Mark Children’s House

Life-affirming care and comfort for children with illnesses and their families.

Imerman Angels

Imerman Angels support cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers by matching them with a “Mentor Angel” – a cancer survivor or caregiver who has faced the same type of cancer and who can answer questions and provide one-to-one support.

Lorenzo’s House

Lorenzo’s House focuses on younger-onset dementia and revolutionize care in an industry where existing practices need profound reimagining.

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Planning Guides & Tools

A List to Reduce Work for Your Next-Of-Kin

This useful list and accompanying templates were kindly shared with us by Donna Woodward, a Hospice Volunteer and Dementia-care Volunteer. They will be particularly useful for friends or family in a caring role.

AARP Local Caregiver Resource Guides

AARP has put together local resource guides showing what support is available for family caregivers in different states and different cities.

How Do I Start My Advance Care Planning

A list of links to guides and toolkits for creating your Advance Care Directives.

Next Step In Care

Next Step In Care provides written guides and videos for family caregivers that help them through any medical treatment – from visiting the family doctor, trips to ER, hospitalization and discharge and Homecare.

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