NCC NEWS AND UPDATES
Neuro Community Care is happy to announce our new website!
While we are eager to share this new site with you we will continue to make updates to ensure you have the most up to date information on:
• What’s happening at NCC
• Information and resources
• Stories and updates from our clients
• Changes to provider contracts
• And more!
Follow the link below to check out the new www.NEUROCC.COM!
Please continue to share warrior stories and successes with your NCC case manager to be highlighted on our website. In addition, keep sending in submissions for our 2020 NCC Art/Literary Magazine.
We look forward to sharing resources and trainings with you each month. If you have a resource that may be beneficial to all of our agencies, please contact Jenny Abramson at Jabramson@neurocc.com.
TBI / Veteran Related Trainings
**Please note these trainings are aimed at increasing your professional development, but are not required by NCC. Therefore, the registration fee and time spent participating in these external webinars may not be billed to NCC.
Wednesday, Feb 5: Medication Mismanagement
Presented by The American Society on Aging
10am PST. Free. Details and registration found here.
Tuesday, February 11: Understanding Long-Term Care: Basics and VA Aid and Attendance
Presented by the Military Family Learning Network
11am EST. Free. Details and registration found here.
Tuesday, February 18: Who Am I Now? Life After Caregiving Ends
Presented by the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing
12pm EST. Free. Details and registration found here.
Wednesday, February 19: Bridging the Family Communication Gap
Presented by The American Society on Aging
10am PST. Free. Details and registration found here.
Thursday, February 27: Intimate Partner Violence: An Overview of Assessment and Response with Military-Connected Clients
Presented by The Center for Deployment Psychology
3pm EST. $10. Details and registration found here.
Friday, February 28: Return to School Following TBI
Presented by Neuro Restorative Neuro Institute
12pm EST. CEUs available. Free. Details and registration found here.
On Demand Webinar: Traumatic Brain Injury, Mental Health and Addiction
Presented by The Center on Brain Injury Research and Training
Free. Details and access found here.
On Demand Webinar: Opioid Use Disorders: Considerations in Medication Assisted Treatments of Military Veterans
Presented by Home Base Veteran and Family Care
Free. Details and access found here.
Resource Recommendations:
Weekends with Warriors
The alarming number of our combat veterans who are taking their lives each day is unacceptable and we have taken a stand against this epidemic. What makes us different is our members and the way we reach veterans in need. We have fellow combat veterans onboard to answer the phone 24/7 to give the chance to talk to someone who can understand the veteran in distress state of mind and build a network of trust that is lacking within the official forums. Every one of members brings something different to the table and when we all work together, our support network knows no boundaries. Not only are we taking immediate action by getting the gun out of a vets hand, but we are here to help get life back on track by helping navigate the VA, finding jobs, and staying in touch with people who truly care and want to make a difference. Another way to serve our community: by hosting events for combat vets to join together again and experience the fellowship and bonds that only another veteran can provide.
For further details and to sign up for events, visit their website.
Safety Tip of the Month:
10 tips: How Unpaid Caregivers Can Beat Burnout
1. Acknowledge your challenging role. Admitting your job is not always easy doesn’t imply a lack of devotion to your loved one; rather, it’s the first step in finding solutions. “Daughters, spouses, partners, and friends frequently do not perceive themselves as a caregiver—and as a result, do not recognize the need to seek support or don’t know the ‘language’ that can open doors to valuable resources,” says Jed Johnson, CARF’s managing director of Aging Services.
2. Don’t expect perfection. You may not be able to handle every element of your caregiving job on your own, or you may need to go part-time. You’re human; you may make mistakes; choose the wrong options; and get tired, frustrated, or snarky. Forgive yourself and move forward. “It’s normal to feel guilty sometimes, but understand that no one is a perfect caregiver,” notes staff of the Mayo Clinic. “Believe you are doing the best you can and making the best decisions you can at any given time.”
3. Accept help. Don’t be too proud to accept help offered by friends or other family members. Keep a list of tasks others could complete for you— perhaps running errands, bringing a meal, or providing transportation for your loved one.
4. Set realistic goals. Establish boundaries by saying no to actions and events you know to cause too much stress, such as taking your loved one on a faraway trip or hosting a major family gathering on their behalf.
5. Stay organized. Eliminate hurry and indecision by keeping lists and calendars and breaking each day down into manageable routines.
6. Become connected. Learn about caregiver resources in your community. Support groups made up of like-minded individuals may allow you to vent your frustrations while sharing joys and sorrows. You may also identify services such as transportation, meal delivery, or housekeeping that are geared toward caregivers.
7. Don’t isolate yourself. Spending every day focusing on your loved one without other socialization can make you feel alone. Schedule time with other family and friends who can support you in your caregiving goals, and pursue activities you find relaxing and enjoyable.
8. Advocate for your own health. Control your stress levels and maintain your wellness by following a solid sleep routine, staying hydrated, having regular physicals, and seeking counseling as needed. An impartial third party can help you understand and cope with your feelings.
9. Look into respite care. Respite care comes in several forms and may be covered by insurance. Options include in-home aides, adult care centers, or short-term care programs. “Respite care provides relief for the caregiver and helps to reduce burden and stress,” advises Johnson, who recommends checking out the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center. “It can be for a few hours a day, a few days a week, or even a few weeks a year.”
10. Take advantage of industry resources. Optimize the help and resources available through caregiver advocacy organizations. Johnson recommends AARP; the Family Caregiver Alliance/National Center on Caregiving; the Caregiver Action Network; and the National Alliance for Caregiving.
The full article and links to caregiver resources can be found on the CARF website.