Caregiving is Completo con Sam's Club #MyCaregivingStory

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are Babushka’s alone.  #MyCareGivingStory #CollectiveBias

La Tata, Babushka’s 94 year old grandmother.

She took care of us for so many years, it’s only fitting that we now have the bendicion of doing the same.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

“Nothing easy about getting older, and it’s even harder being old.”

This is a quote my grandmother would say, and knowing the life she has lead, BB believes it.  We all have had our trying moments, and we all know getting old is a privilege not all have, but it’s also a challenge to have all our needs met when we can no longer do it for ourselves.

When in Miami, Babushka would stay with La Tata. BB would always be sure La Tata was taken care of Mind, Body, Soul. A checklist with these headings as guidelines was used.

• Mind- daily card game, word search, conversation for at least 30 mins.
• Body- the menu of the day, since some days she didn't feel much like eating, always had fruits and a liquid meal replacement on hand.
• Soul- devotional readings, audio, and phone calls with the great-great grandchildren. Also, fresh flowers and plants helped her spirits.

It was nice to take her out and break up the daily routine. Unfortunately, because she would tire easily, we'd have to restrict our outings, but one of her favorite places to go to was Sam's Club. There we could get all we needed and many services too. PLUS she loves their pizza and would make sure we’d go around lunchtime. Every single time.

Part of La Tata’s frustration with aging was the incontinence and how it curbed her social life and outings. Fortunately she found the products which gave her back some of that freedom.

And of course that brightened all our lives immensely.

She especially likes Member’s Mark products, both the items AND the prices are BUENISIMO!!

We always have such a good time at Sam’s Club.
Tienen de todo- they’ve got everything.

And as La Tata says,             

“Bueno, Bonito y Barato let’s me buy more!”

Porque she’s got lots of loved ones she loves buying for!

Y si, things for herself too!  La Tata not care about her looks?

JU SO FONII!!!

Ahora mismo, she’s recuperating from a broken hip bone, but we expect to take her again on outings soon.

La Tata is looking forward to visiting Sam’s club to save some money, spoil some children, eat some pizza and zip down those aisles in her electric cart yelling, “Aqui viene Fangio!” She may have lost some of her mobility, but her tastes, wit and preferences haven’t changed a bit.

Sam’s Club offers caregiving services, like health screenings and prescription refills, along with their own brand of health-related products. The Member's Mark Maximum Long Pads are perfect for LaTata. This way she can confidently take trips out of the house without having to worry about any incontinence issues. We also grabbed a bottle of Member’s Mark Hand Sanitizer to keep LaTata safer from germs and bacteria.

Besides the wonderful products and precios, Sam’s Club has their own Family Caregiving Site which helps caregivers tend to their loved ones,

Around the house, For the Body, On the Move.

Makes BB feel good to know there are people and places that understand what caregiving is. And for all caregivers out there, know that you are appreciated,

just as we appreciate those that cared for us.

BB2U

The Circle of Life. To Care con Cariño- for Loved Ones & Yourself. #Caregiving #AARP #AARPCUIDAR

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

The Circle of Life, Circulo de La Vida. 

Now before y'all start singing the Disney tune, see what tune you sing despues de ver esto.

Bittersweet verdad? Oh, but what a grateful cancion to be able to sing.

Last month BB was invited to an AARP luncheon promoting their #AARPCuidar program. 

"This program provides much needed resources and information to Hispanic/Latino Caregivers and their families across the nation. The goal is to let the Latino community know that AARP has a wealth of information to help them care for their loved ones and themselves. The information is in-language and in-culture."

Signs from the luncheon, and My Capitan Maria de los Angeles sharing some caregiving insights

As you may recall My Beautifuls, when in Miami Babushka stays with her 92 year old grandmother, La Tata. Like many elderly, she has her bouts with being mal geniosa and depression as shared before, so the premise of caregiving to an older loved one wasn't new to BB. However, to find out that AARP has dedicated an entire campaign- in English Y en Español was enlightening, and even a relief.

In the Hispanic culture, families take care of their elderly without question.  Before, there was always a family member who stayed home to be the caregiver, nowadays the percentage of those who can actually do so is getting smaller and smaller.  How does one ask for help for something that has always been a given?  AARP has resources for those giving care, and also for those who will receive it. Quee?? Ok Si, JU SO FONII!!! If we're lucky, si tenemos suerte, we'll ALL have to receive it.  

So if you're the one now being the caregiver, there are articles to help you care for your loved one, and articles to help  you care for yourself.  It's very easy to forget that last part. Por favor don't. And if you can pass along the info to the ones who'll probably be taking care of you in the future, you'll be doing everyone a big favor.  At the very least, give them the websites so they know there is help, and this is just a part of The Circle of Life.

NOW you can start singing.

; )

BB2U

*Disclosure- Babushka was compensated for this post, but the sentiments are all BB's.

The websites to visit www.aarp.org/cuidar or www.aarp.org/caregiving to find out what resources and information is available to caregivers and their families.