The two men looking at the Tay River |
He spoke to me about my Unpaid Caregiving, both for my late parents and the volunteer hospice work I do. I consider myself a patient advocate, and work hard to improve the conditions of my clients; helping them find services, pain relief, a good death, and creating a Life Review. My most recent video of my friend, Kay Devlin: Celebration of a Life Worth Living.
After interviewing the two of us, we went into town.
Meals on Wheels |
Joe prepares to dispatch Meals on Wheels |
Then, we took Dr. Brian into the long-term care residence, where I volunteer on a weekly basis. He taped my visit with the late Mildred Flood (1940 - 2011). She was a sweet woman, who always did her puzzles in the activity room. The cats supervised her work!
Now, I made nothing in royalties for my book sales from January to June of this year. NADA! It is very hard to market a book in Canada if you co-publish, or self-publish. A 'best seller' in Canada means selling 5000 copies! Not that I am complaining, as it won't make very much difference to complain! I have given away more books than I have sold. I want people to read it and hopefully learn something from it.
Mildred (1940 - 2011) and her puzzle cat |
The joy has come from the people I meet when flogging my book. Since then I have been speaking to groups. I spoke at the NSM Palliative Care Conference: Stories in Palliative Care, and volunteered with Hospice Muskoka, and now Community Home Support Lanark County, near our new home.
My inspiration comes in understanding what A Good Death can look like, and making it possible. Many cannot deal with death and dying. You can read about my efforts at finding a comforter for a Sens fan: #ComforterQuest. It was a small thing to do, but meant a great deal to a dying man.
End-of-life and palliative care is a specialty many of professionals cannot face. For those dedicated to improving health, it is often difficult to face death. The barriers to a good death can be immense. The impact on caregivers is huge, and can have lifelong effects. There are many out there who can help. Check out the hospice associations your area. Volunteers can make a difference.
White Coat Black Art Program
—Saturday, November 19th at 11:30 a.m. and again on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. on CBC Radio One.
Also, Chris Must came to the house to interview us, and to take a photo for his article.
Author's research aimed at caregivers - EMC Perth
5 comments:
I've bookmarked the link to your book information, Jenn, and will look into it further when I can.
This week it's two years since my dad died, so I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve right now, and my tear ducts are overactive. Strange, because just this morning I was able to smile when thinking of Dad, but now the tears come.
I'm so glad there are people like you who volunteer at hospices. I was able to be with each of my parents at the end, but many people have no one.
Thanks for being there.
—K
I will be sure to catch White Cot Black Art on the 19 th. I listen to it most of the time
You are quite simply a lovely human being and a worthy example to all of us, Jenn!
Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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That is so wonderful. I will put it on my calendar to listen. I know what you mean about being hard to sell books and make a profit. I was one of those recipients of your book. At the time I read it, Mom was still living on her own. It helped me think ahead to when more care would be needed and what signs to look for. I can't think of a person better to speak about elder care. I am glad they found you. - Margy
Wow this is so cool. I am sure the interview turned out great. Record it and post it on YouTube! Congrats and Bully to your personal sacrifice in the service of others. W.C.C.
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