Guest Article: Wellspring- Care For The Caregivers By Nathan Kooistra, Co-Pastor of Reeman Christian Reformed Church and Chair of the Wellspring Team Growing old can be a difficult journey and caring for an aging loved one can be very challenging. In the midst of all of the changes that accompany growing old, many desire to live in the familiarity of their own homes for as long as possible. Many caregivers, whether it is a child, relative or family friend, do their best to juggle their schedules around work, driving children to activities, getting dinner on the table and still finding time to help with... ...mom or dad as much as possible. In the case of a spouse caring for an aging loved one at home, many struggle with their own health issues and have to navigate the physical, mental and emotional toll of being caregivers.
Over one year ago, Wellspring Adult Day Services was created to provide rest for these caregivers and a safe place for senior adults to be cared for during the day. Caregivers bring their loved ones to Wellspring for the day so they can get some rest, run errands, take a walk, or do whatever they need to do so they can be renewed and refreshed. While at Wellspring, our guests enjoy lots of laughter and friendship as they play games, drink coffee, work on crafts, do exercises, sing songs, listen to stories and go for walks. At a time in life that can often feel lonely, our guests enjoy being part of a community of friends. One morning at Wellspring, a caregiver who was dropping off her loved one was asked how she was doing. She said, “I feel like I am a better caregiver now that I am taking care of myself.” As she drove off you could see her kayak in the back of her car. She was able to find respite on the lake while staying healthy and keeping active because she knew her loved one was safe with us. Wellspring is located at Reeman Christian Reformed church and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Wellspring is staffed by a RN and an aide who helps to lead daily activities. As a result of our staff to participant ratio, we are able to provide a quality program and a very high level of care for each of our guests. Although none of us can fully walk in the shoes of our guests and their caregivers, we do whatever it takes to walk alongside them at this stage of life and fill it with as much joy, peace and happiness as we possibly can. If you are caring for a loved one at home and could use some rest, and support please visit wellspringads.org or call 231-330-1655 or email us at wellspringads@gmail.com
1 Comment
Cheryl Kraley
5/8/2017 01:45:18 pm
Reeman CRC is very blessed by the hard work of Nate Kooistra and his Wellspring Team. I am grateful to be a part of this ministry
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