ADVERTORIAL THE BLESSING OF A CAREGIVER IcanTcope anymore, Im so tired, the responsibility is overwhelming and the guilty feelings won't go away. these are just some of the thoughts and perspectives a loved one's primary caregiver may experience recently heard about a very sad situation in our community-a caregiver who took her own life because she just couldn't cope anymore. I'm not saying that being a caregiver was the reason she took her life, but being someone's primary caregiver for an extended period does put you at risk of falling into a depressive state. In fact, some studies have shown that over 50 % of primary caregivers suffer from severe depression. When you are responsible for the care of a loved one, the stresses and strains of everyday life are amplified. Juggling work and family with elder care increases the risk for caregiver role strain. This is especialy true regardless of whether the family member you are caring for has a health issue like dementia, or a condition that leaves your loved one physically debilitated In my role at One Kenton Place, I can't tell you how many times the following scene has played out over and over again. A family comes to the home for a tour, they're nervous and apprehensive, they don't know what to expect, and they're often carrying some guilt at the fact that they're even exploring a home for their loved one. Ih that initial meeting, and sometimes in subsequent meetings, I usually spend a good portion of our time comforting and reassuring the family that we will not only take good care of their loved one physically, but also emotionaly. The apprehension and nenves don't go away on the day the resident moves in but slowly, after a few days, then a week and then a few weeks later, after the family has made multiple visits to their loved one, you can actualy see physical signs of relaxation. Lite is becoming manageable for them again. I recently had a family member-whose mother had been at One Kenton Place for just over 4 weeks-tell me that he's never seen his mother so wel taken care of, and so composed. He said he was grateful for the amazing care she was receiving, and Isaid in response. "It's nice to see your shoulders finally relaxed" Working at One Kenton Place, and having worked with seniors and caregivers alike for almost 19 years, I can honestly say that caregvers deserve medals of honour. Sadly, there is no such thing, and our medals come in the form of how we take care of curselves, and the family legacy we're preserving. So, to all the dedicated caregivers out there, this Rosh Hashanah please make a resolution to take care of yourself as well as you take care of your loved one, because you're the only one that can. Shana Tova U'metuka! KENTON PLACE For excellent care, the one onekentonplace.ca 647-932-7913 RUTH DAYAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ruh Dayan has almost two decades of experience working in the healthcare industry, with a special focus in Altheimer's and Dementia care. Her experience spans across all sectors of healthcare, including the management and day-to-day operations of two large Long Term Care homes. Ruth is a certified Long Term Care Administrator. She also holds certifications in Quality Improvement Facilitation, Aluheimer's and Dementia Care (Montessori, GPA, Hush no Rush) and Lean Principles. ADVERTORIAL THE BLESSING OF A CAREGIVER IcanTcope anymore, Im so tired, the responsibility is overwhelming and the guilty feelings won't go away. these are just some of the thoughts and perspectives a loved one's primary caregiver may experience recently heard about a very sad situation in our community-a caregiver who took her own life because she just couldn't cope anymore. I'm not saying that being a caregiver was the reason she took her life, but being someone's primary caregiver for an extended period does put you at risk of falling into a depressive state. In fact, some studies have shown that over 50 % of primary caregivers suffer from severe depression. When you are responsible for the care of a loved one, the stresses and strains of everyday life are amplified. Juggling work and family with elder care increases the risk for caregiver role strain. This is especialy true regardless of whether the family member you are caring for has a health issue like dementia, or a condition that leaves your loved one physically debilitated In my role at One Kenton Place, I can't tell you how many times the following scene has played out over and over again. A family comes to the home for a tour, they're nervous and apprehensive, they don't know what to expect, and they're often carrying some guilt at the fact that they're even exploring a home for their loved one. Ih that initial meeting, and sometimes in subsequent meetings, I usually spend a good portion of our time comforting and reassuring the family that we will not only take good care of their loved one physically, but also emotionaly. The apprehension and nenves don't go away on the day the resident moves in but slowly, after a few days, then a week and then a few weeks later, after the family has made multiple visits to their loved one, you can actualy see physical signs of relaxation. Lite is becoming manageable for them again. I recently had a family member-whose mother had been at One Kenton Place for just over 4 weeks-tell me that he's never seen his mother so wel taken care of, and so composed. He said he was grateful for the amazing care she was receiving, and Isaid in response. "It's nice to see your shoulders finally relaxed" Working at One Kenton Place, and having worked with seniors and caregivers alike for almost 19 years, I can honestly say that caregvers deserve medals of honour. Sadly, there is no such thing, and our medals come in the form of how we take care of curselves, and the family legacy we're preserving. So, to all the dedicated caregivers out there, this Rosh Hashanah please make a resolution to take care of yourself as well as you take care of your loved one, because you're the only one that can. Shana Tova U'metuka! KENTON PLACE For excellent care, the one onekentonplace.ca 647-932-7913 RUTH DAYAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ruh Dayan has almost two decades of experience working in the healthcare industry, with a special focus in Altheimer's and Dementia care. Her experience spans across all sectors of healthcare, including the management and day-to-day operations of two large Long Term Care homes. Ruth is a certified Long Term Care Administrator. She also holds certifications in Quality Improvement Facilitation, Aluheimer's and Dementia Care (Montessori, GPA, Hush no Rush) and Lean Principles.