January 5th, 2009
Over the holidays I chose not only to relax, but went to see “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” a movie recently released depicting a man aging in reverse.
I work with older people everyday, as a geriatric care manager. I also have a 19 month old daughter. I often come home after visiting clients, struck by the similarities between the frailing of old age and infancy. Diapers, soft food, speaking only a few words, dependency, the need for patience, compassion and a sense of humor, and more.
The movie moved me, thinking about friends, memories, comfort, following my heart, human kindness, love and loss. This topic of aging is rich with material! I was reminded to follow my heart (no matter) and to cherish each moment, because this too shall pass. I was moved at the women caregivers in this movie who had such compassion to love what others might consider unlovable.
I was also reminded that we are all ordinary in older age - in that… no matter what kind of material success we have created or not created in our lives, our physical bodies all go through a similar process in our passing from this world.
I’d be curious to know what the movie struck in you! Let me hear from you.
Posted in About Me, Inspiration and Joy, Other | No Comments »
December 11th, 2008
What a difference an attitude makes!
I’ve been aware of feeling kind of “funky” over the last couple days, but didn’t know exactly why. It hit me tonight that I’ve been focusing on all the “bad” news in the media - the economy, the war, the bailouts, the political corruption and more. I’ve been allowing it to affect me and bring me down.
What I know is that in the past, when I have focused on what I am grateful for, what I appreciate and what is good, I feel much better! A simple thing like an attitude of gratitude can be so powerful.
So, I tried a little on tonight. I began celebrating the things I was calling negative or irritating. I took a different perspective and embrace (love) what I resisted. I loved that my daughter was up way past her bedtime. I loved that I’ve gained a couple pounds lately. I loved the pain in my neck. I loved that this economic condition is giving me a chance to relook at my priorities - to fine took my effectiveness and focus. I am grateful for what I have (and am willing to let go of the expectation of what I think I should have).
Just saying those things makes me feel lighter and less “down.” My attitude is the one thing I have control over - all the time. I am choosing to feel hopeful and optimistic and grateful. There is so much to be thankful for. There is beauty all around me, and I can make the choice to look.
P.S. It’s almost a full moon tonight. Have you looked up lately? Enjoy!
Tags: attitude, depression, gratitude, health, inspiration
Posted in Caregiver Health, Inspiration and Joy, Other | No Comments »
December 5th, 2008
Have you recently found yourself thinking about the upcoming holidays with a sense of dread? Perhaps you see yourself sitting at the table surrounded by your family, the smells of turkey and pumpkin pie wafting in from the kitchen, but you are overcome with a sense of sadness or disappointment. Now that things may be different with your parents, it’s a good time to ask yourself, what do I really want my holidays to look and feel like. Traditions are funny things. They can be comforting and depressing all at the same time. But you have the power to create the experience you truly want.
You might ask yourself these questions about what you really want this holiday season:
1. Do I like my family traditions just as they are, or am I participating to make someone else happy or comfortable?
2. Where do I want to be?
3. Who do I want to be with?
4. What experience am I looking for?
5. Is there a new tradition I want to start this year?
6. How can I get the experience I most desire?
Once you are clear about your ideal vision for your holidays, find a way to communicate that to the people closest to you. Families do not always embrace change right away, so be prepared for some resistance. If you are patient and allow your family to process the idea of making changes in a gradual way, you may be surprised by how many will eventually welcome the new traditions and thank you for leading the way to happier holidays for everyone!
Tags: caregiver, caregiving, depression, eldercare, holiday, joy
Posted in Inspiration and Joy, Other, Tips on Caregiving | No Comments »
November 9th, 2008
The California Women’s Conference, in Long Beach, was another amazing success this year. If you haven’t been, it is worth your time. This year they sold out 14,000 tickets in 3 hours, so you have to be watching when tickets go on sale. Speakers ranged from Condoleezza Rice to Bono, Billie Jean King to
AgingPro.com’s booth was packed with people interested in learning more about the national online resource, telling us their stories of past or present caregiving adventures.
One of the breakout sessions covered the topic of Caregiving, and Leeza Gibbons (Leeza’s Place) was one of the speakers. I was impressed with her positive perspective on aging and caregiving and her authenticity - seeing the challenges as blessings and how caregivers can take care of themselves.
Videos of the conference are available at the conferenece website http://www.californiawomen.org/assets/conferenceday/livevideo.html
Tags: California women conference, caregiving, Leeza Gibbons
Posted in Caregiver Health, Family Caregivers, Inspiration and Joy | No Comments »
October 13th, 2008
Gayle and Dr. Cheryl in New York for Oprah magazine/White House Project Leadership Training
AgingPro.com wins Oprah magazine / The White House Project Women Rule! Leadership Training Program!
In April of this year, Oprah magazine advertised a contest - If you have a vision/ project to change the world, tell us what that would be, and we’ll help you take it to the next level. I entered my idea for www.AgingPro.com, and out of 3,200 entries, I was one of 1 of 80 winners chosen to attend the Leadership Training in New York in June.
The article about this contest and Training is in the November issue of O magazine, hitting newsstands now!
AgingPro - The Complete Eldercare Resource
Welcome Oprah (O) Magazine Readers!
For a limited time, we are pleased to give you our e-workbook, “The Caregiver’s Partner” at no cost (retail value $12) This 12 page journal is an interactive tool designed to support you in making your journey as a caregiver as easy as possible. It is loaded with essential information, AgingPro tips for success, insider knowledge from those who have been down the caregiver path before, inspiration and practical tools for supporting your experience and optimizing your learning and growth as a result. It provides an opportunity for you to look inwardly and to express all of the thoughts and feelings that are likely to arise in your role as caregiver. Go to www.AgingPro.com now to sign up for your free gift!
Tags: O magazine, Oprah, White House Project
Posted in Press | No Comments »
September 29th, 2008
Today is about nurturing yourself while you’re doing regular activities.
For example, how about enjoying a shower meditation. While you’re showering, take the time to feel the water on your skin, and imagine it washing away the stress of the day.
While you are eating, bring your awareness to the taste of the food in your mouth. Allow yourself to appreciate you nurturing yourself with healthy food to keep your body vital and healthy.
While you’re walking today, feel your feet touching the ground. Imagine that every step you take is on sacred ground and that the earth is supporting you. Bring your awareness to the flowers along your path, and appreciate who made them.
Bring your awareness to your breath. Take deep, cleansing breaths and feel your lungs expanding and oxygenating your cells. When you breathe out, exhale stress and judgment, and inhale loving and calm.
Take everyday activities and bring your awareness to them in a fresh, new way today. It doesn’t take any extra time, just a shift in perspective.
Take good care of yourself today.
Tags: activities of daily living, Caregiver Health, five minutes for me
Posted in 5 Minutes for Me!, Caregiver Health, Family Caregivers | No Comments »
September 18th, 2008
Today, I’d like you all to stretch out of your comfort zones for 5 minutes for Me! Today, I want you to just rest. Yes, rest. This could mean sleeping, or just sitting down and doing nothing. Rest has a lot of value, including being restorative.
So, after you’re done reading this blog, please, go be somewhere just with you, turn off the lights and the phone and the pagers - put up a sign that says “unavailable for 5 minutes” and just rest.
Notice how you feel before and after your 5 minutes of rest. After resting for 5 minutes, celebrate and congratulate yourself for taking care of yourself and taking time for you! (leave the guilt behind)
If you’re like me, or other caregivers, taking time for yourself just to rest is an underutilized skill. I remind myself regularly that rest is good and that it is productive - it just looks different than other types of productivity and the results are not always seen on the exterior.
Rest is important - it calms the nerves, decreases stress, and brings peace.
I want to hear from you - what do you do that brings you peace and calm?
Enjoy!
Tags: Caregiver Health, peace, rest
Posted in 5 Minutes for Me!, Caregiver Health, Family Caregivers, Tips on Caregiving | No Comments »
September 2nd, 2008
Hello everyone! This 5 Minutes for Me! focuses on your breath.
Focusing on your breath is a powerful tool, bringing relaxation, balance and clearing.
Set a timer for 5 minutes. In the most quiet, peaceful room you can find, sit comfortably in a chair with your feet on the floor and your hands in your lap. Set your intention to focus only on your breath and let go of any other concerns or worries. (It may help to have a pen and piece of paper handy, where you can write down any recurring thoughts that won’t leave you alone).
Bless yourself in whatever way works for you - it may be a prayer, or an invocation of peace. Now, just focus on the rising and falling of your chest as you breath in and out. When you breathe in, your chest expands and rises. When you exhale, you chest falls. Feel the tide of your breath. Take nice size breaths, and fill your entire chest with air. Try holding your breath for five seconds before you exhale.
Become aware of your breath. Where does it come from and where does it go. Let all your thoughts drift away. Breathe in through your nose and out through your nose.
Bless yourself for this time with yourself. Forgive yourself for any judgments you hold against yourself.
Now, you are ready to take on the day! Do as many breathing awareness moments as you need or want!
Tags: breathing, Caregiver Health, self care
Posted in 5 Minutes for Me!, Caregiver Health, Caregiving for Alzheimer's | No Comments »
September 2nd, 2008
I am aware that caregiver health is a major public health issue. Caregivers are more twice as likely to be depressed, have higher hospitalization rates, higher risk of heart disease, and slower healing rates than non-caregivers. The list goes on. Physically, mental and emotional health can all be affected. The bottom-line is, it is time for caregivers to start taking care of themselves better. I love the simple yet profound quote by John-Roger: “Take Care of Yourself so You Can Help Take Care of Others.” This is especially true for caregivers.
I am going starting a segment called “5 Minutes for Me!” Since time is often a reason we come up with for not taking better care of ourselves, let’s start with 5 minutes a day! Everyone can find 5 minutes somewhere, even if you have to give up 5 minutes of staring at your computer screen with no direction but generally surfing the net.
Also, as caregivers we are generally much better at taking 5 minutes to help someone else than 5 minutes for ourselves - hence the name minutes for “Me.” I know it will be a stretch for many of us to give ourselves even 5 minutes. Check it out and see what your experience is! See the results of what taking 5 minutes will do for your health, balance, well-being, and peace level. Remember, this is fun!
I’d love to hear from you - what are things that have worked for you, that you have done for 5 minutes a day that has benefitted your health and balance?
Tags: Caregiver Health, health
Posted in 5 Minutes for Me!, Caregiver Health | No Comments »
August 27th, 2008
My name is Cheryl Mathieu, Ph.D., M.S.W. I help people manage the challenges of aging and caregiving, especially with aging parents. I am a problem solver and an eldercare advocate. Whether you are a family caregiver or professional in aging, I can assist you in finding creative solutions, and peace of mind, in any eldercare situation.
I own my own Geriatric Care Management business in Southern California, and daily help caregivers and seniors get the assistance they need to remain independent in their homes and have the highest quality of life possible – assuring they are happy and safe.
Since 1984, l have been devoted to community service, elder advocacy, coaching caregivers, creating a meaningful life, and assisting others in creating what they want. I am dedicated to assisting individuals and their loved ones to achieve the highest quality of life, dignity, independence, integrity and joy.
My passion for serving the elderly began many years ago, while assisting both of my grandmothers with their goals to remain independent and have a good quality of life. I learned first-hand the physical challenges of aging, the drive to maintain independence, the difficulty of navigating the “systems,” the vulnerability of seniors, the healing of relationships that is possible, and all the difference a caring touch can make to a senior and their family. Although we hadn’t been close throughout our lives, I advocated for both of them during their last years – finding the best care and assuring they were happy and safe. I saw how loving and caring for them no matter what assisted them in healing their relationships with other family members, and created a peaceful completion for all.
In 1999, I formalized my specialized training in gerontology and aging, and began a career in geriatric care management. I have a Master in Social Work from CSULB, a Doctorate in Social Work from UCLA, and a Master of Spiritual Science from Peace Theological Seminary. I love people and put my heart on the line to advocate for others. Through academics and service experience, I have gained in-depth knowledge of issues related to aging and the life cycle. I am devoted to my growth and development, and committed to maximizing the quality of life for those she serves.
The purpose of this blog is to share tips, strategies, inspiration and hope with all caregivers!
Feel free to browse, comment or ask questions.
All the best!
Dr. Cheryl
Tags: about me, Cheryl Mathieu
Posted in About Me | No Comments »
