Pete Shrock Provides Five Tips to Help Caregivers During the Holidays; Leading "Emotional First Responder" Says Thank You Notes Are More Important Than Ever
It’s no secret the holidays are stressful. But, for a caregiver, it can be an especially physically and emotionally difficult time of the year. Family members who live out of town have the best intentions when they visit for the holidays. In reality, they often end up causing more stress on the caregiver. Legacy Navigator, co-founder and nationally recognized grief/trauma expert, Pete Shrock offers five tips to help caregivers during the holidays.
Richmond, VA, December 06, 2017 --(PR.com)-- It’s no secret the holidays are stressful. But, for a caregiver, it can be an especially physically and emotionally difficult time of the year. Family members who live out of town have the best intentions when they visit for the holidays. In reality, they often end up causing more stress on the caregiver.
Here are five tips to help caregivers during the holidays:
1. Add Value, Not Content: To a caregiver, kindness, appreciation and empathy hold extraordinary value. Simple gestures such as running errands, wrapping gifts, helping cook or making house repairs are great ways to add value to your visit.
2. No Second Guessing: Remember the caregiver has been living, breathing, eating this situation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Do not come in and second-guess or question decisions they’ve made. Assume positive intent and that the caregiver has explored all options.
3. Don’t Ignore The Elephant In The Room: Having everyone together is a good time to have an honest conversation about the future and any decisions that may need to be made. If the person being cared-for is able, include them in the conversation. If not, remember to fill them in as soon as possible – it’s their life.
4. Set A Clock: Dedicate two hours per day of cell-phone free time to tackle important tasks such as sorting through family pictures, jewelry and items over $10,000.
5. Write a Thank You Note: Take time to write a handwritten thank you note to the person caring for your loved one. Make the note 100% about them – not about you or your guilt for not being there. Tell them how much you appreciate everything they are doing. As you are leaving, hand them the note and ask them to read it when they have a free minute. The value of your note will have lasting impact.
As a caregiver, there’s one important thing you can do to help yourself before family members arrive:
· Offer an Intentional Invitation for Family Members - Determine a single goal to achieve as family over the holiday - like empty the garage, or talk finances with Mom and/or Dad - that will provide a lasting impact after they’ve left. Make this goal clear to everyone before they arrive.
“Today’s caregivers are the emotional first responders of our generation,” said Pete Shrock, co-founder of Legacy Navigator. “Their role is physically and emotionally exhausting and, especially when combined with the stress of the holidays, can be truly overwhelming for many. These tips will provide real direction for anyone wanting to provide relief and a small show of thanks to the caregiver in their life, said Shrock.”
About Pete Shrock
Pete is known as one of the leading emotional first responders in the country. He has counseled families after tragedies on 9/11, at Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech and with the Navy for the SEAL teams. He is the co-founder of Legacy Navigator where is serves as their Chief People Officer.
About Legacy Navigator
Founded in 2016, Legacy Navigator’s mission is to provide care to caregivers. As a pioneer in estate cleanout, organization and settlement, Legacy Navigator helps families process the physical and emotional hurdles that come with downsizing and loss, and provides relief to families regardless of estate value. For additional information visit legacynavigator.com
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Here are five tips to help caregivers during the holidays:
1. Add Value, Not Content: To a caregiver, kindness, appreciation and empathy hold extraordinary value. Simple gestures such as running errands, wrapping gifts, helping cook or making house repairs are great ways to add value to your visit.
2. No Second Guessing: Remember the caregiver has been living, breathing, eating this situation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Do not come in and second-guess or question decisions they’ve made. Assume positive intent and that the caregiver has explored all options.
3. Don’t Ignore The Elephant In The Room: Having everyone together is a good time to have an honest conversation about the future and any decisions that may need to be made. If the person being cared-for is able, include them in the conversation. If not, remember to fill them in as soon as possible – it’s their life.
4. Set A Clock: Dedicate two hours per day of cell-phone free time to tackle important tasks such as sorting through family pictures, jewelry and items over $10,000.
5. Write a Thank You Note: Take time to write a handwritten thank you note to the person caring for your loved one. Make the note 100% about them – not about you or your guilt for not being there. Tell them how much you appreciate everything they are doing. As you are leaving, hand them the note and ask them to read it when they have a free minute. The value of your note will have lasting impact.
As a caregiver, there’s one important thing you can do to help yourself before family members arrive:
· Offer an Intentional Invitation for Family Members - Determine a single goal to achieve as family over the holiday - like empty the garage, or talk finances with Mom and/or Dad - that will provide a lasting impact after they’ve left. Make this goal clear to everyone before they arrive.
“Today’s caregivers are the emotional first responders of our generation,” said Pete Shrock, co-founder of Legacy Navigator. “Their role is physically and emotionally exhausting and, especially when combined with the stress of the holidays, can be truly overwhelming for many. These tips will provide real direction for anyone wanting to provide relief and a small show of thanks to the caregiver in their life, said Shrock.”
About Pete Shrock
Pete is known as one of the leading emotional first responders in the country. He has counseled families after tragedies on 9/11, at Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech and with the Navy for the SEAL teams. He is the co-founder of Legacy Navigator where is serves as their Chief People Officer.
About Legacy Navigator
Founded in 2016, Legacy Navigator’s mission is to provide care to caregivers. As a pioneer in estate cleanout, organization and settlement, Legacy Navigator helps families process the physical and emotional hurdles that come with downsizing and loss, and provides relief to families regardless of estate value. For additional information visit legacynavigator.com
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Legacy Navigator
Leslie Griles
804-218-4639
legacynavigator.com
Leslie Griles
804-218-4639
legacynavigator.com
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