Caregiver support at JFCS can help you and your loved one

By Annette Sandler

Have you ever played the “What If” game?

When I was a little girl the questions were always about the future. I used to think “What If” I lived in the jungle? I could be friends with the monkeys and the elephants. “What If” I became a teacher?  I could play with other kids all day long.

As I got older the questions were all about the past. I thought “What If” I had gone to a different college? I might not live in Minnesota. “What If” I would not have had children? Who would take care of me in my old age.  

For many people as they age or as they become caregivers for their loved ones, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, it seems like the “What If” game once again looks at the future.

“What If” I could drive? Where would I go? “What If” I had help with the laundry. How would I spend my time? “What If” I couldn’t take time off from work to take my parent to the doctor? Who would do it?

Did you ever think, “What If” I went to visit my parents and all I had to do, was visit?

There is a complete offering of services available through L’Chaim Senior Services at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis that can help.

To answer these “What Ifs” you should first let go of the idea that you need to do it all. Remember that if you are well rested and relaxed it will make your tasks much easier.

The services available through L’Chaim Senior Services include Deikel Transportation, accompanied services, shopping, cleaning, bathing, foot care and companion services that can help with cooking, laundry, errands, etc.

In addition to these services, several volunteer programs are available to JFCS  clients. Telephone reassurance provides a social connection for a person living alone. Household financial assistance can help with organizing and filing. Outreach visitors are also available.

Try these experiments for yourself. Let’s plug these services into the “What If” game. “What If” I am still driving but don’t like to drive downtown to the doctor? I could use the Deikel Transportation or accompanied  services and I could still get to my doctor’s appointment without feeling anxious about the drive.

“What If” I had someone to take me shopping and help me with the groceries?  I would not have to inconvenience my daughter to bring me things after her hard day at work. We could make a date for lunch instead.

“What If” my loved one spent a day at the Deikel Family AlterCare Adult Day Program doing occupational therapy, music therapy and other stimulating activities? I could attend a party, go out for lunch, play cards with my friends or relax at home. I could feel comfortable that my loved one is being well-cared for and I could enjoy a day off from my daily responsibilities.  

“What If” I had someone to help me with cleaning? I could garden or read a book without feeling anxious about not getting the work done or just take a nap if I feel tired. “What If” I had a person who would call me once a week to check up on how I am doing? I would not feel so lonely.

Jewish Family and Children’s Service is here to help you have positive answers to the “What If” questions. For more information call the agency at 952-546-0616.


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Annette Sandler is Supervisor of L’Chaim Senior Services and the Nurturing Our Retired Citizens (NORC) Program at JFCS.