Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Life after caregiving

As a caregiver, some people totally devote themselves to caring for another person who no longer functions as he once did. We may move, leave our jobs, give up our independence, and rarely see our family and friends. Our entire life may revolve around comforting and making our loved one feel loved.

When a loved one passes, often we grieve and then the process of finding our way back into the world begins anew.

How do we pick up the pieces and start to live again? Everyone does it differently and in his or her own time frame.

Suggestions:

Join a grief support group. Renew old friendships, find a job that you enjoy do volunteer work, find a new or renew an old hobby.... One of the best therapies is finding a friend you can talk to...one who will listen and support you as you ease back into the world! We are better than ever for our commitment. We are forever changed in a good way.... no one can ever take that total love away from us as we again join the world.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org.

The Orlando Senior Help Desk (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.