1. Wellness and Self-Care for Aging Caregivers
Disability and Aging Summit
September 25, 2019
Rick Benjamin
Hope Community Resources

2. Rick Benjamin Born in Anchorage 1956
MA Leadership Studies, Azusa Pacific University
Pastor 30 years
Organizational and Spiritual Wellness at Hope since 2009
Married to Deloris since 1978
Two adult sons
One grandson

3. Learning objectives Hope’s wellness initiative
Defining wellness and self-care
The importance of wellness and self-care
Applications for aging caregivers
Tips and suggestions

4. Hope’s Wellness Initiative
Focus Groups and Surveys
Wellness Seminars
Beliefs, Values, Mission, Vision, Expectations
2008 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award from Alaska Psychological Association
2009 Best Practice Award from American Psychological Association for Wellness Seminars
Monthly Wellness Leadership Group and Advisory Group

5. Hope’s Definition of Wellness
Wellness – for an organization or an individual – is the capacity to sustain vision and mission, as evidenced by physical, emotional, social and spiritual balance and resiliency.

6. Pictures of Resiliency

7. Why are wellness and self-care important for caregivers?

8. Why are wellness and self-care important for caregivers?
Because you cannot facilitate wellness for those you support if you do not experience wellness yourself.

9. “In case of a loss in cabin air pressure…”

10. Self-care is not selfish – if you’re doing it to be a better caregiver.

11. Applications for aging caregivers
Accept the fact you are aging.
Step up your self-care as you get older.

12. Tips and suggestions for aging caregivers
Eat well and sleep well.

13. Tips and suggestions for aging caregivers
Eat well and sleep well.
Take care of your back and your feet.

14. Tips and suggestions for aging caregivers
Eat well and sleep well.
Take care of your back and your feet.
Practice breathing and relaxation.

15. Tips and suggestions for aging caregivers
Eat well and sleep well.
Take care of your back and your feet.
Practice breathing and relaxation.
Take “mini-vacations.”

16. Tips and suggestions for aging caregivers
Eat well and sleep well.
Take care of your back and your feet.
Practice breathing and relaxation.
Take “mini-vacations.”
Maintain and increase supportive relationships.

17. Tips and suggestions for aging caregivers
Eat well and sleep well.
Take care of your back and your feet.
Practice breathing and relaxation.
Take “mini-vacations.”
Maintain and increase supportive relationships.
Don’t neglect spiritual self-care.

18. Applications for aging caregivers
Accept the fact you are aging.
Step up your self-care.
Accept that the best way to care may be to get better care than you can provide.

19. Dick and Carol Benjamin November 2, 1952

20. 50th Anniversary

21. 60th Anniversary

22. “It’s never too late to start taking care of yourself.”

23. “Take care of the older person you are becoming.”
Walter Soboloff
Tlingit Presbyterian Pastor

24. Learning objectives Hope’s wellness initiative
Defining wellness and self-care
The importance of wellness and self-care
Applications for aging caregivers
Tips and suggestions

25. Thank you. Thank you for being a caregiver.
Thank you for practicing wellness and self-care.

26. Questions?