Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

For many years, Mae lived at the Heritage (now called Vitality) on route 46 in Sanford and her only child, Toni Gitles, dutifully cared for her. The Jewish Pavilion staff and volunteers came weekly for visits, Shabbat services and mahjong games. She was truly adored by the Pavilion and by the staff at the Heritage.

Meanwhile, her daughter was overwhelmed with the tasks of caregiving was they increased exponentially over time. When Mae passed away, Toni became an an expert on Caregiving, a consultant, author and professional speaker.

“21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them” explores the caregiving journey, providing caregivers with strategies to approach the challenges, be prepared for the stressors, and have a more joyful experience. This comprehensive guide is thoughtfully organized into seven parts, each addressing crucial aspects of caregiving. Caregivers will learn how to prepare for a medical crisis so that they can spend their time as a confident advocate and support to their family member. Caregivers will understand why watching for the warning signs, facing fears, and leaning into the learning curves is essential. Caregivers will understand the steps required to emerge from “the overwhelm” and take back control by shifting their mindset from helper to Caregiver CEO and Advocate.

Importantly, caregivers will identify new ways to receive and give love and celebrate life and their loved one each day, maximizing memories and minimizing regret. The exercises at the end of each chapter empower the caregiver with a dynamic caregiving action plan to relieve stress and uncertainty. “21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them” is the caregiver’s unwavering companion on this challenging yet rewarding journey, offering guidance and support with empathy and understanding.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.