November 4, 2016
Manicurists from John A. Logan College Cosmetology Department form an assembly line to provide manicures at a retreat for caregivers.
Fall Back and Relax!" was the theme of the day at a caregiver retreat, sponsored by Franklin/Williamson Healthy Communities Coalition late last month at the Carterville Community Center.
Dr. Gynelle Baccus, also known as "Ms. Carrie Giver," was the hostess and master of relaxation for the day. In fact, she was so relaxed that she appeared in her favorite pseudo-leopard skin pajamas, later changing her attire.
Baccus is the coordinator of "Our Healthy Circle" at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
"You are so overwhelmed, you don't take care of yourselves," Baccus reminded the caregivers, both men and women, who attended the retreat.
She then proceeded to tell caregivers how to create a cozy corner in their own homes for pampering themselves – an area with an easy chair, cuddly blanket, stash of chocolate, green plant, aromatic candle, reading material and maybe a glass of wine. She then provided Bible verses on the subject of peace.
Mark Kiesling, TV 3 news anchor, who has been a caregiver for his wife, Debbie, for over 20 years, served as keynote speaker.
Debbie spends her days in a wheelchair and depends on Mark for many of her activities, although she is capable in many ways, including cooking. She was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor in 1985, underwent two major surgeries and also suffered with a heart problem.
Nine years ago, the Kieslings adopted their three granddaughters, which added to their busy schedule.
"He is the best husband ever," Debbie said. "This is the role God put us in." Mark's mother was also in the audience as a caretaker for her husband, who has Parkinson's disease.
Mark's advice to the caregivers was simple.
"Take time to relax and recharge," he said. "Make memories with that loved one."
One of the many caregivers at the retreat was Georgia Elkins of Marion. Her husband, Norman, has Parkinson's disease. He had been taken to Addus Healthcare Day Care for the day, a part of the services offered free for the caretakers.
Elkins was a bit apprehensive about leaving him, but she was soon assured by one of the workers, who had called to check on him, that he was chatting with two other men there.
This was Ekins' first time to attend the retreat, which has been offered annually for several years. She took advantage of the free services, including a foot massage.
Shirley Cunningham of Marion, while waiting for her foot massage, talked about Floyd, her husband of 52 years, who has had Parkinson's disease for 11 years. She has been his only caregiver for the past five years, and was thankful for a friend who took Floyd out for lunch, so she could attend the retreat.
Phyllis Wohlwend of Creal Springs also enjoyed a rare day away from home. Her husband of 31 years, Carl, had open heart surgery in 2011, followed by a bout with cancer, and now he is on dialysis.
One of those on the morning program was the Rev. Sherry Black, who serves as chaplain/spiritual care manager for Herrin Hospital. She provided caregivers with some exercises in relaxation and breathing techniques. She also talked about resources to help people stay in their own home as long as possible.
Patrick Laws of Senior Adult Services in Carbondale provided a humorous look at caregiving with his speech, "Sometime You Just Gotta Laugh."
The afternoon provided a round of manicures and cosmetic makeovers, thanks to cosmetology students from John A. Logan College.
Also working magic with a curling iron was Jim Matranga of Johnston City, who prepped ladies for glamour shots. He is the official hairdresser at Parkway Manor in Marion.
Pam Stout of Allied Physicians and Rehab of Carbondale offered a spin-the-wheel game for prizes, with everyone winning a free massage.
As the relaxed caregivers departed, they agreed that being a caregiver for a loved one is among the hardest jobs a person can have, and many indicated that they would return for the caregiver retreat next fall.
http://www.dailyrepublicannews.com/news/20161104/retreat-gives-respite-to-caregivers/?Start=1
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