Tips for dealing with caregiver stress

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SUN Columnist

Caregiving.

It’s not for sissies.

Many of you know I am personally experiencing the balancing act and challenges of caregiving in my own life. Caregiving is challenging no matter what the circumstances are.

This is a reminder for you to use your resources, chat with Elaine from the Alzheimer’s Association if you are caregiving for someone with memory issues — Elaine has a wealth of information.

Search the Internet for information, call me, take time for yourself, somehow, even if you can only manage to take a long hot shower or bath ... it’s your time.

One other good resource is the ARCH, a source for information and referral; call them at 264-0502.

If you are interested in helping me put together a resource day for caregivers, please give me a call at 264-2167 and we’ll make it so.

Each day is a blessing; embrace each and every one of them.

Income tax 

Income tax assistance is available through AARP Durango for people with income up to $50,000.

Call Durango Senior Center at 382-6428 for an appointment on a Monday, or the Adult Education Center in Durango at 385-4354 for an appointment on a Saturday.

Your chauffeur is here

At your service. Get out in the community and let us do the driving. Get to where you need to go; door-to-door bus service is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for seniors age 60-plus. Suggested donation is $2 per day. Call for details, 264-2167.

Special delivery 

Are you struggling to get meals prepared because you are homebound, recovering from surgery or an illness?

If so, let us do the cooking. Enjoy Cafe Fox meals, delivered to your door. Our hot meal, home-delivery program is available to those living closer to town four days per week, with frozen meals on Thursdays and weekends. Those living farther out of town may be eligible for the frozen meal program. Meals are available to people age 60-plus for a suggested donation of $3 per meal. Give us a call at 264-2167 for further information. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Weekly activities at The Den

Friday, March 29 — 9 a.m. Geezers; 10 a.m. Stitchin’ in the Kitchen; 12:30 p.m. gym walk.

Monday, April 1 — 12:30 p.m. gym walk.

Tuesday, April 2 — 12:30 p.m. Gym walk; 1 p.m. Meditation for Healing.

Wednesday, April 3 — No special events.

Thursday, April 4 — Closed, administrative day.

Friday, April 5 — 9 a.m. Geezers; 10 a.m. Stitchin’ in the Kitchen; 10:30 a.m. brain injury support group; 12:30 p.m. gym walk.

Cafe Fox menu

All meals include our great salad bar.

Friday, March 29 — Birthday meal: Chicken piccata, salad, broccoli, orzo with dill, whole wheat roll, sour cream and blueberry cake.

Monday, April 1 — Breakfast for lunch: broccoli, Swiss and ham quiche, pancakes, fresh fruit cup (no milk served with this menu).

Tuesday, April 2 — Corned beef and Swiss on rye (half sandwich), chunky tomato soup, carrot-raisin salad, unsalted peanuts, half orange.

Wednesday, April 3 — Chicken fajita, whole wheat tortilla, lettuce and tomato, cilantro rice, pinto beans, tossed salad, red grapes.

Thursday, April 4 — Closed, administrative day.

Friday, April 5 — Savory meatloaf with gravy, whipped potatoes, peas and carrots, tossed salad, whole wheat roll, Jell-O with fruit cocktail.

Reservations are required by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you would like to dine at Cafe Fox. You may make your reservation up to one week in advance at 264-2167, through our website at www.archuletacounty.org, select departments or at the Senior Center.

Suggested donation for older adults age 60 plus is $4, guests $6. Our meal program is partially funded through the Older Americans Act via the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging, United Way, Archuleta County, Town of Pagosa Springs and other individual donations and grants. These funds help support the cost of the meal which is approximately $12.85. Please note our menu is subject to change. The salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served from noon to 12:30 p.m.