Helping Caregivers Care for Themselves — and Why It’s Important

If anyone needs care more than anyone else at times, it is the full-time caregivers themselves, those who care for many, most or all of the needs of a loved one. With that goal in mind, and within National Family Caregivers Month, AARP gave Roanoke-area caregivers a break that featured activities, information and support. How about chocolate tasting, aromatherapy and massages for starters?

“Caregivers are under so much stress — and at the same time [they] recognize there is joy in the aspects of caregiving,” said AARP Associate Director Brian Jacks. “We are delighted to offer them a night out with a sense of purpose.” He describes more about the event in this video:

Activities at the “Power of Purpose Retreat” at Roanoke County’s South County Library focused largely on technology that can help caregivers relieve some of their everyday burdens. Wes Jividen, an occupational therapist, was the principal speaker, providing information on the many physical devices that can help. He said among recent advances, AI clearly comes out as the most important — and by a lot.

“I feel like [AI] is helpful in organizing and synthesizing information, particularly medical information, so that caregivers can make informed decisions for their loved ones and help them gain better understanding of their condition and the prognosis and what their treatment options are,” Jividen said.

The event also featured “The Hidden Power of Purpose,” a feature-length documentary film from AARP Studios, which weaves individual stories within a message from leading health experts that living a life of purpose and living longer are very much entwined.

Brian Jacks

As for the arm and hand massages, it kept massage therapist Lynn Musick busy. Musick said helping caregivers is one of her loves.

“I think it is so important for people to take care of themselves, especially when giving to others, so any time I can participate in an event like this, it is so rewarding [and] it’s definitely renewing for me as well,” Musick said.

 Across the table, Pam Young felt much the same way. Young cares for her 88-year-old mother, and this was a welcome break. Her words pretty much summed up the entire event.

“It reminds you that you're important and you have to take care of yourself to take care of other people,” Young said.