A Senior Connection

12/02/2020

I am resetting!

I started my senior care business October 30, 1994. I officially closed my business September 30, 2020. Just one month shy of 26 years. My care team and I served many people over these years. Our youngest client was a 17 year old senior in high school. She had back surgery, needed personal care and an assistant during school hours while her mother worked. Our oldest client was 101 and still enjoyed sharing her life experiences. While the state laws for caregiving have changed over the years, the rules of the heart have not. Let love be the foundation of every action. Honor and respect our elders (and the few younger clients we served). Keep professional boundaries in place. Learn from every person’s story. Become a better person for having loved and served in this way.

In 2008, while still managing my business, I enrolled in Women School of Ministry Leadership, receiving a certificate in May 2010. Shortly after, I enrolled and completed 3 years of Bible college, followed by ordination and the founding of Joy New Covenant Ministries. During the past few years, I have officiated weddings, house blessings, and memorial services. I am looking forward to officiating vow renewals and baby dedications. These are services that I hope to develop even more since retiring from personal care. I find that the rules of the heart apply here as well. Love is the foundation. Joy is to be had in the ordinary as well as through life’s significant events.

I am resetting in a physical way, too. On September 23, I had total knee replacement surgery. This surgery was way overdue! I am looking forward to better balance, endurance, and way less physical pain! I’m also looking forward to future travel and seeing more of God’s wonders.

So, if you happen to think of me, please say a prayer for me during this resetting time. I know I am strong. I also know “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Be sure to follow Joy New Covenant Ministries on Instagram and in Facebook. Please let me know if I can be of service for you or your family!
💖

01/01/2020

I’m watching the 2020 Rose Bowl Parade and this float called Hope’s Heroes is featured. This lovely float is dedicated to caregivers everywhere. I am suddenly overwhelmed with emotion at the awareness of caregivers being called Hope’s Heroes! Besides my own caregiver team providing service for my company A Senior Connection, many of my family and friends dedicate much of their time caring for their elders or special needs children. Caregivers are to be valued and shown appreciation. So, thank you, dear caregivers, for all you do.

Pictured here, the Hope’s Hero’s float I captured as it was shown on the television. Also pictured is caregiver Molly McClinton and our lovely 95 year old lady taken on Christmas Day. Photo shared with permission of her family.

01/07/2019

Having a personal caregiver while residing in a senior facility means you are treated to a refreshing shower and dressed in a comfortable, matching outfit, even if dementia restricts your ability to know who is coming to visit.

Everyone likes to feel good and dress in a manner accustomed to. If there is a very elderly loved one in your family circle, vow to do the best you are able to provide that contented feeling. For all others, smile at a senior you see today. Blessings to you and yours.

01/01/2019

Happy New Year. I would like to share this memory from January 1, 2012. Please take a moment to read and think about today. Perhaps God has a message that will speak to our hearts.

I worked last night, providing a watchful eye for a 91-year old man who had just come home from the hospital. I remained in the living room when, at 11:30 PM, this man removed his hearing aid and went into his bedroom and closed the door. And then I heard the most precious words coming from his room. He thanked God for the day, for the coming New Year, and for Jesus...who came to dwell among men, died on the cross to save us from sin, raised on the third day, and then ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God. I am sure he did not realize how loudly he spoke because of his impaired hearing, and I am so thankful I was witness to his bedtime prayer. How beautiful. Happy New Year!

(Drawing by Vincent Van Gogh)

11/24/2018

Introducing and visiting the cemetery is integral to keeping young one’s connected to their heritage. Focus on two or three simple facts depending on the ages of the youngsters. While these children ever met their great grandmother, they know she loved their daddy (her grandson) with all her heart. They know she loved airplanes, nature, and camping. I hope this inspires you to share your stories with your younger generations. They are never too young to experience that visiting a cemetery is a huge expression of love.

11/12/2018

We are at that time of year when many people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a type of depression that generally starts in fall or winter and ends in spring or early summer. I bring this to your attention with hopes that you will be sensitive to others' moods and to also be aware of your own emotions. This applies to everyone with whom you come in contact, not limited to our seniors. We work and live in communities where you pass people regularly and I encourage you to practice courtesy with one another. Look for reasons to compliment others. See how many people you can help bring smiles to their faces. As we approach the holidays, take time to visit those who are unable to get out. Bring a little cheer with you, hold a hand and especially remember to say “I love you.” Blessings to each of you from those of us at A Senior Connection in Brentwood, CA.

11/06/2018

This holds true for our very elderly as well. ❣️

For more strategies to connect with kids and nurture their mental health, please visit www.lsci.org

10/07/2018

Such a valuable message in pictures.

08/05/2018

A birthday is a BIG reason to get together and celebrate. Happy 94th birthday to this special lady pictured here with her son and me.
A Senior Connection care team will help your beloved family member with everyday care needs and special events. For information, send message or email Rebekah at [email protected].

02/02/2018

Mr. Dave and I had a lively conversation while driving to his appointment this past week. Although he is well on his journey with memory care, it is not an usual to remember events from youth or early adulthood. So, I asked Mr. Dave if he had any children. With a twinkle in his eyes he replied, “No, I never had any children and you might say I’ve missed them ever since.” That was a bright moment in our morning.

01/01/2018

Sometimes a day (or a year) does not finish as one expects. I am with my care recipient now at the hospital emergency room. In his case, it is for precautionary measures and I believe he shall be just fine following some tests and released to go home. New Year’s Eve, here, and a few short hours till 2018!