Caregiver's Corner
Caregiver's Corner is submitted by our Caregiver Consultant. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact us by sending a message from our contact page.
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Held April 20
Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners
Caregiver Corner by Lisa Porthan
On April 20th Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners hosted an appreciation dinner to recognize the many volunteers that have served our elderly community. These individuals have graciously given their time and their hearts. They have provided numerous rides to medical appointments, many friendly visits and phone calls, they have been there to exercise with them and most importantly been there to listen & to care. It is amazing to see how so many lives have been touched.
There are volunteers who have helped write participants' life stories. Others have taken the time to read to a NHRP participant who can no longer see. Scenic rides and walks in the woods have been enjoyed. Many participants have been able to improve their physical and mental well being by exercising regularly with a NHRP Exercise Buddy. Countless special occasions have been shared, birthdays celebrated and support has been given in the tough times. As one participant told me, "Thanks to NHRP I was given life again." Frank Clark reminds us that we have put more effort into helping folks reach old age than we have put into helping them enjoy it. NHRP is here to help improve the quality of life for our aging population.
So many of our elderly population are homebound and lose most of their social interaction as they age. Studies have shown that people who experience social isolation have been linked to declining physical and mental well-being. It is important we foster a social network for the older adults in our community. By 2020 there will be more Minnesotan's over the age 65 than school age children. The vast majority of Minnesotan's want to age in their homes and their communities for as long as possible. NHRP plays a vital role in assisting these individuals. This would not be possible though if it was not for the many volunteers.
We are incredibly thankful to all the wonderful volunteers, board members and those in the community who have so graciously given in so many ways to assure that NHRP can continue to be a part of building a community for a lifetime.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.-Margaret Mead
We are always looking for new volunteers so please contact our office at 365-8019 if you are interested in getting involved or to find out more information about the services we provide. We are always looking for individuals to provide rides, friendly visits & to be a part of our exercise program. Being an NHRP volunteer is an incredibly rewarding experience. Remember: We make a living by what we do, we make a life by what we give.-Winston Churchill
(Arrowhead Agency on Aging)
Friendly visits
Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners
Caregiver Corner by Lisa Porthan
Aging is a natural process of life. It begins the moment we are born. Yet strangely enough, many of us live under the illusion that we and our loved ones will never become old. When we or our loved ones reach old age we are often unprepared. Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners can be there to help you through the journey. NHRP provides support services that will enhance the quality of life for individuals who are aged, chronically ill or disabled and provides support for the caregivers and their families.
A very valuable support service we provide is friendly visits. Many elderly people in our community are homebound and have little to no communication with the outside world. A friendly visit from an NHRP volunteer can do wonders for these individuals. Research has shown that people live longer when they are surrounded by people they love. We are beings that thrive in community. It is not healthy to not have human contact. The connections that are made between the volunteer and NHRP participant are very powerful. Lifelong friendships are made and treasured memories created. Incredible stories are shared and history is carried on through these relationships. Volunteers and NHRP participants are amazed at the joy they experience from these new found friends.
NHRP also provides hundreds of rides for local and long distance medical appointments. Many individuals not only need a ride but someone to help them into the clinic and sit with them though their appointments. Many NHRP participants tell us they often put off going to the doctor because they didn't know how they would get there or who could accompany them there. NHRP can assist our elderly community to get the medical attention they need and deserve. NHRP plays a keep role in the continuum of care for our aging population.
NHRP is also a wonderful resource for caregivers. Today many adult children are taking on the role as caregiver to their elderly parents. The role as caregiver can be both rewarding and very overwhelming. NHRP is able to provide often much needed respite care for the caregivers. Respite care provides a temporary relief for those who are caring for a loved one. It is important the caregiver has a strong support system so they are able to take care of their own needs as well.
NHRP can provide a key role in the journey of aging and caregiving. Whether it is a ride to a medical appointments, support group, friendly visit, respite care, exercise program or assistance in connecting with Hospice we are here to help. For more information please call Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners at our new number 218-365-8019.
