Over the past 5 months, I have remarked to my housemate numerous times that I’m so thankful that WE are sharing the COVID experience. I’ve tried to imagine what it’s like for those living alone…day in and day out. The challenges of aging alone have been well-documented over the past few years - loneliness, reduced quality and quantity of life, and caregiving complications. The current pandemic is proving to make the journey even harder for those isolated and alone. Today, let's chat about innovative approaches to meet the challenges of aging alone.

Today, I want to chat about the challenges of caring for someone during a pandemic. As we all know, caregiving is one of the hardest - and most sacred - things we’ll ever do. Over the past 5 months, we’ve learned in real time that a viral pandemic makes the journey exponentially more difficult and complex. So, let’s take a few minutes to consider the complications and then identify possible ways to meet the challenge.

Today in the midst of a global pandemic, the almost universal experience of “being alone” resulting from self-imposed or mandated physical isolation once again highlights the issue of loneliness. Granted, COVID-19 presents a myriad of challenges. But physical isolation and potential loneliness are proving to be problematic for many people - particularly family caregivers. So, let's explore how we can support each other through this challenging time and mitigate our sense of loneliness. We ARE better together!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe it’s important and potentially beneficial to chat about the impact of the pandemic on caregivers and care receivers. Today, I want to lay the foundation for a series of discussions about COVID and Caregiving. And I think the best way to do that is by considering the question - What Just Happened?

Based upon recent reporting, it’s obvious that the care offered by family and friends is essential - in fact, it’s invaluable! Family caregivers are the indispensable backbone of the health care system today. Consequently, family caregivers—instead of flying under the radar—should take center stage. It’s time to see and to hear family caregivers. It’s time to support family caregivers in meaningful and beneficial ways. It’s time—because family caregivers are essential to the overall health and well-being of our society.

Shared Decision Making is an approach to medical care that can make ALL the difference to you and your family - Person or Patient Centered Care. I was introduced to this concept many years ago when I started working as a hospice chaplain. Today, thankfully, this collaborative approach to health care is being recognized and taught in many medical schools throughout the country.

Whether you are currently a caregiver or care receiver, you’ve probably experienced a sleepless night or two during which you wondered and worried about what the future holds for you and your loved ones. Maybe you’re concerned about how you will care for your aging parents or for your spouse or partner? If living alone and have no children, who will care for you when a medical issues arise? Obviously, there are numerous issues that could cause you to toss and turn endlessly during the wee hours of the morning.

Over the past few months, I have presented many programs related to medical options of care. Part of the discussion focused on the distinction between pain and suffering—An important distinction to recognize as caregivers and care receivers.

I don’t know about you, but I have experienced my fair share of frustration with “the system.” And I hear countless stories every week from caregivers and care receivers dismayed by the medical maze in which they are lost. So, what’s to be done?

In a previous podcast, we discussed the impact that attitude has on the journey after a serious diagnosis. Today, I want to offer a different way of thinking about “the disease” or disability that has changed your life—an approach that I hope is beneficial for you and your family.