As I grow my national and local network, I’m always on the lookout for organizations and solutions that make sense for my community of caregivers and people dealing with grief. I’m calling them Partners in Healing, and from time to time, I look forward to sharing what they’re up to…and perhaps what we get up to together!
When it comes to personal caregiving, I focus on addressing the emotional and practical challenges caregivers face. Firsthand experience with both is one of the things that sets my coaching apart.
I’ve had to figure out how to keep the lights on while shuttling my husband to and from radiation appointments. When that is your day-to-day, the emotional bandwidth to run a household is limited at best. As a caregiver guide, I want to be a safe space for you to express emotions, but also empower you when it comes to the brass tacks of daily living.
That’s why when I came upon National Care Planning Council (NCPC), I was quick to engage.
NCPC is as a comprehensive resource for eldercare, senior services, and care planning. Their mission is to provide families with the necessary tools and information to make informed decisions about long-term care. This ensures that seniors (or others requiring care and facing advanced illness) receive the support they need while alleviating the burden on their loved ones.
When I was navigating ways to keep my physically disabled mother in her home following a traumatic brain injuries, and then finding the right place for her when that was no longer an option, I could have used NCPC. Or, when looking for respite care providers as Nick became progressively more unable to care for himself, a resource like NCPC would have gone a long way in getting me on the right path sooner.
NCPC recently featured me in their monthly newsletter to members:
NCPC: What advice would you give someone struggling with grief or caregiving responsibilities?
Tammy: It’s vital to acknowledge your feelings and seek support. Grief and caregiving are not journeys you have to take alone. Contact professionals, join support groups, and allow yourself the time and space to heal. Remember, it’s about moving from surviving to thriving.
For caregivers I support, this connection helps me offer a holistic approach that makes navigating caregiving just a little bit easier. Whether I can point you to their resources for exploration or investigate the best options for you, being a closely connected member of NCPC just makes sense.