Keynote

Finding Hope and Humor in Caregiving . . . “and for this I take Vitamins!”

Keynote – 45 to 90 minutes

In this presentation Elaine brings compassion, hope, and humor to some very difficult and delicate issues faced by family caregivers. The stories are based on her book, “Letters from Madelyn, Chronicles of a Caregiver” and her own personal experience of caring for family elders.

Excerpts from cards and emails:

“Thank you for giving me permission to be human.”

“ I was in tears from the time you spoke of your dad’s death through the rest
of the talk — it touched my heart and ministered to me.  The timing was perfect,
because I had slammed the car door on Tuesday after dealing with my dad
for six hours!  Thanks to you I have permission to laugh about it now and
will hopefully keep things in better perspective in the future. I’m keeping
your survival tip card in my purse to refer to often when I’m hopping
around between our five elderly relatives.”

“I just had to tell you how much I enjoyed you sharing your story with us. Your presentation was so encouraging and uplifting. It actually helped me to understand some of the things that have happened. I just wish I had known you five years ago.”

“Your presentation was honest, wise, and real. What a woman!  I love Madelyn!”

“Thank you for letting me know that what I am feeling is “normal”.

“You handle difficult topics with such humor, grace, and poignancy. Your stories left all of the attendees feeling inspired and hopeful.”

Although this keynote is laugh-out-loud funny, it delivers a powerful message about understanding and coping with the emotional stress of caring for an aged, chronically ill, or disabled loved ones.

Take-away messages:

• In order to care for the aged, disabled, and chronically ill, a person must first learn to care for him/herself
• Even in the very worst end of life situations, that there is still opportunity for mental and spiritual growth
• As long as we have the ability to think and reason, we have the power to control our attitude toward any person, thing, or event

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