Are you taking care of someone? Everyone? Caregivers often pour all their energy into the people in their care, overlooking the importance of caring for their own health. Make sure to practice self-care to avoid caregiver burnout. Try to reserve a little time to do what you love. Redirect your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, taking the time to practice gratitude. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help and outsource those tasks that are piling up. Remember: you’re not alone.
JFS Orlando can help. Whether you need to pick up groceries from our pantry, schedule a ride to a medical appointment for your loved one, or schedule a telehealth appointment with one of our counselors, we are here. Visit JFSorlando.org or call (407) 644-7593 for assistance.
Memorializing a Loved One
In its work with seniors, the Jewish Pavilion encounters a lot of loss. When our staff or volunteers hear of a loved one’s death, we reach out to the bereaved with a card and the book When You Lose Someone You Love. We also offer a free 6-week grief support group for all struggling with loss.
There are many ways to memorialize a loved one. Here are just some ideas that may be meaningful to you:
1. Write a thank-you card. Include a picture of your loved one on or inside the card, and send it to those who donated in their memory. You may want to include a list of your loved one’s hobbies, interests, or favorite things.
2. Joanne Fink, author of When You Lose Someone You Love, has a website with many resources for organizing a meaningful memorial service and shiva. Joanne’s website also offers beautiful gifts and keepsakes to memorialize your loved one. Joanne gifted me a print after my brother Mark passed away, and the designs are absolutely beautiful. My colleague, Penny Goldstein, even took the gorgeous design made in memory of her father and commissioned an engraver to etch it on his tombstone.
3. On their yahrzeit, cook your loved one’s favorite meal, play their favorite songs, or read their favorite books.
4. Donate to your loved one’s favorite charity or cause, plant a tree, or name a special fund in their honor. The Jewish Pavilion provides 400 holiday gift bags to seniors, and donors are pictured and acknowledged on a memory card inside each gift bag. This can be done for many occasions.
Whatever your specific needs, the Jewish Pavilion is here to help. For support in times of grief, please contact the Orlando Senior Help Desk at (407) 678-9262 or visit www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.