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Friendship Center — February Newsletter

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FEBRUARY 2020
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The Importance of Caregiver Care
By Naomi Edwards
Program Specialist, Friendship Center Montecito
One of the most rewarding, yet challenging, jobs in the world is caregiver. Some choose this path, while for others it is chosen for them. When a sudden accident, terminal illness, or other life-altering event strikes, members of the affected person’s care network (family or friends) are called to action to provide assistance for their loved one.
For caregivers, this may be a gradual step, or a sudden and overwhelming shift. Either way, when caregivers are required on short notice to step into the role of caring for their loved one, often their attention to self-care is left
behind. Within the realm of self-care is the extremely important aspect of socializing and keeping up with one’s community, something that is not easily done while providing care to another.
One thing the Friendship Center team encourages is for our amazing caregivers to socialize with one another. Time with family members, friends, and colleagues is very important, but socializing with other caregivers is key. Being able to connect with those on a similar path, going through similar things with their loved ones creates a bond understood by only those in that situation. Humans are social creatures thriving on companionship, communication, and support. When we are not provided with adequate amounts of these, we can become isolated and even experience cognitive decline, ourselves.
Friendship Center | 89 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108