Caregivers Support Group
WELCOME 2021!!! GOODBYE 2020!!
NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL CAREGIVERS MONTH!!
WHY NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS
MONTH IS IMPORTANT
MONTH IS IMPORTANT
- Caregivers need love, too!
- Caregiving while still holding down an outside job is exhausting. Much of caregiving is unpaid. National Family Caregivers Month in November provides resources for self-care, advocacy, and de-stressing for our caregivers. The month is dedicated to supporting caregivers as they care for others. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock."
- Learn how to Cope
- National Family Caregivers Month features lots of vital information to help caregivers cope with a tough, and sometimes thankless job. There are tips for caregivers such as taking care of your own health, accepting offers of help from others, learning the skills to speak effectively with doctors, and being open to new, assistive technologies that can lighten your load. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?
- Check Yourself for Depression
- Watching a parent age or seeing someone change drastically due to illness can be devastating. Take some time to monitor your own wellbeing. If you are not sleeping well, exercising, or feel yourself becoming reclusive, speak to a professional about depression. It can hit anyone at any time. There's no shame in feeling overwhelmed.
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ABOUT US BOOMERS ‘R HEROES Caregiver Support Group Meetings and Grief Support have been designed to offer CAREGIVERS (present and past) the resources to replenish themselves. During these meetings and workshops our instructors/contributors offer a sanctuary for a few hours, helping you the caregiver to move forward with your life and healing. Help is available, it’s all around you…but you have to seek it out. You have to ask for it. You need replenishment and validation.
BOOMERS ‘R HEROES is your resource. |
BOOMERS IS ON THE MOVE
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Below you'll see just what the Boomers 'R Heroes Caregiver Support Group has been up-to. Strap in! |
EVENT POSTPONED
INTIMACY LOST
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Boomers 'R Heroes
& gIFT OF LIFE
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Gift of Life Donor Program (click here to view website) partnered with Boomers 'R Heroes Caregivers Support on Thursday, November 21, 2019 in the effort to inform our community of the necessity for Organ Donations where there is a lack of donors. WHY DONATE?Nationally, there are approximately 113,000 people waiting for an organ transplant. Every ten minutes, another person is added to the list. You can help by registering as an organ donor. (Click here for more Information)
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How Organ/Tissue Donation Work?Gift of Life coordinates the recovery of organs and tissues for transplant. The complex organ and tissue donation and transplant process involves collaborating with highly skilled medical professionals at many different levels. (Click here for more information).
Organs & Tissues For TransplantAn interactive look at the body. Learn about which organs and tissues can be donated and lead to life-saving and enhancing transplants. (Click here for more information).
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Coffee with congressman
Dwight Evans
Please share a message of thanks with your member of Congress today!
Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 © 2019 Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved. 800.272.3900 | alz.org® |
In October, I was privileged to be a participant in a coffee with Congressman Dwight Evans at the Alzheimer's Association office. It gave those of us on the front-lines in the caregiving services and support programs the opportunity to give voice to the needs of our caregiver community, in addition to the actual patients' care and services. He heard us, as he witnessed this dreaded disease with his own father when there was not much known about the diseases. We have someone who will help our stories be heard and move legislation forward as our aging population grows. I'm so happy to share this encouraging information with you from our government. Passing these acts will improve the care of dementia Alzheimer's patients and caregivers, as well.
As a result of our efforts in our community we have been heard. Please read this notice: Earlier today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization, which included the key elements of the Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2019 (click here for more information) , most notably an expansion of some programs under the OAA to individuals under the age of 60. Now the legislation moves to the U.S. Senate. An estimated 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease, yet because of their young age they are not currently eligible for support and service programs available to older Americans. With today’s vote the House has acted to fix this. But the House didn’t stop there. A short while later members also passed the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). This legislation will improve quality end of life care for people with advanced stage dementia and other diseases. (Click here for more information). Make no mistake, YOU and the countless other advocates of the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement and our champions in Congress made this happen! |
BOOMERS 'R HEROES
IS CERTIFIED
Powerful tools For Caregivers
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Boomers 'R Heroes is now certified as a powerful tool for caregiver trainers! This is a training program for caregivers and those associated with caregiving. So exciting to be capable of reaching out to our caregiver community at deeper levels. We will help you to reach your highest caregiver training skill levels.
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Ask me for details
Email: jean.kirkley@gmail.com
LAUNCH OF YOUTUBE CHANNEL
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WE'RE LIVE! I am very proud to announce the launch of Boomers 'R Heroes YouTube Channel with our first BRH video. You don't need a password or anything to view it. Please view, like and subscribe to BRH channel to ensure we reach deep into the community. We will be posting weekly videos in support of our unsung heroes and the growing unpaid Caregiver Community. Boomers 'R Heroes is finally on the way!
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Thank You, Misha and Nyasia
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I remain humbled and grateful to Michelle Greaves, President of Native Dawn Productions LLC, and her team who is producing this project for us. Please keep Native Dawn Productions in mind should you find you are in need of a video production from the heart. Click their logo to the right to view their website and see more of their projects!
Please share this information with your friends, family and colleagues. Love y'all, Jean Kirkley, CEO/Facilitator |
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BOOMERS RECOGNIZED BY AARP
caregivers of the year
This program was hosted by AARP:
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THE PHENOMENAL JEAN KIRKLEY
JEAN KIRKLEY NAMED "PHENOMENAL WOMAN" BY REP. CHRIS RABB,
200th Legislative District for Boomers 'R Heroes
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The Honorable PA State Representative Chris Rabb bestowed this great honor upon me on Friday, March 15th. The West Oak Lane Adult Center was filled to capacity with well-wishers for all the many honorees hosted by Rep. Chris Rabb and his wonderful staff.
I was also honored to receive a Citation from the PA House of Representatives as a happy surprise. My personal cheering section, my ladies of Boomers 'R Heroes Doreen, Beverly, GiGi, and little Miss Maya (GiGi's granddaughter) made this a very joyous occasion, as the Phenomenal Sheroes they are. The full story was published in the The Philadelphia SUN. Click the link below to read. Jean Kirkley, CEO/Facilitator |
Let's Talk About with Fred Blain
Interview with Fred Blain
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It was my pleasure to be on the, The Gospel Highway Radio, WNAP 1110 AM, Let's Talk About with Fred Blain. It was aired on Sunday, March 17, 2019. He was a gracious, considerate host and made me feel very comfortable talking about my passion, the non-paid caregivers of our community. The questions Fred fielded were thought-provoking and kept me on my toes. Thank you, Fred, for having me as a guest on your show. The link above will play the interview in it's entirety. Thanks for listening in.
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BOOMeRS REPRESENTIN'
BOOMERS 'R HEROES REPRESENTS AT
THE Q SHOW TAPING
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Folks, we've been staying busy getting out as a group whenever possible. It's not easy as our members are caring for loved ones and not easily able to arrange to get away. On Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019, six of us made a brief escape from daily duties to enjoy ourselves and do some public relations work, as well. Members G. Goss-Smith, Clarice Thomas, Jeannette Pinkney, Beverly Edwards, Linda Baker, and myself were in the studio audience for the Q Show double-taping. We were on two episodes back-to-back. At the end of the second taping Q spoke with group members to shout-out about themselves. I enjoyed the best 38 seconds standing with Q and talking about Boomers 'R Heroes. It was a wonderful experience with my team shouting-out in that video, as well. After the taping, we went to the Hard Rock Cafe' for lunch and some laughs before heading back home to their caregiver duties. Only the highest praises to my Sheroes. We are all SHEROES.
Jean Kirkley, CEO/Facilitator BOOMERS shoutout with Q Harris,
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WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S
BOOMERs 'R HEROES AT WALK to END ALZHEIMER'S
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As a monthly Volunteer Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group Facilitator, BRH is in total support of the Alzheimer's Fight for the First Survivor. Happily, we represented at the Walk to End Alzheimer's Virtually November 14, 2020. G.Goss and Michelle Greaves were there to support Boomers in our effort to reach out further into the caregiver community in our region. I'm so proud of these two ladies who were integral part of that effort. (View the promotional video for the 2019 walk.)
Jean Kirkley, CEO/Facilitator Michelle Greaves is the owner of Native Dawn Productions, LLC who produced this video using the footage that she took at the event. Many, many thanks Michelle, for doing this for us. |
BOOMERS 'R HEROES ATTENDS
ICAP LAUNCH
SANDY LAWRENCE'S ICAP FRIENDS AND DONOR
LAUNCH CELEBRATION
On Thursday, October 25, 2018, the Intergenerational Community Alliances & Programs Inc. (aka ICAP_ INC.) was surrounded by friends, faith and community representatives and sponsors introduced its mission to the public. The event was held at Independence LIVE located at 1919 Market Street, with food catered by Aramark. The attendees were provided information by sponsors Independence, Common Practice, FunTimes Magazine, Gift of LIFE Donor Program, Stith & Associates Health Insurances, Always Best Care Senior Services, Boomers R Heroes, Native Dawn Productions LLC, and Dubose Business & Printing Services. “The launch provided a quality atmosphere to confirm our image as one of excellence in service to the faith and community organizations” said Sandra Lawrence, CEO & founder.
ICAP INC. has three areas of focus, which are Palliative and Hospice awareness and education; the African American Heritage Program and BAV Girl Phenomena Inc. Two collaborations were birthed at the event which further emphasizes they are sincere and serious about service. I am so proud that Sandy saw fit to name Boomers 'R Heroes as a collaborator in this tremendous ontaking of the Aging Community in Philadelphia.
ICAP INC. has three areas of focus, which are Palliative and Hospice awareness and education; the African American Heritage Program and BAV Girl Phenomena Inc. Two collaborations were birthed at the event which further emphasizes they are sincere and serious about service. I am so proud that Sandy saw fit to name Boomers 'R Heroes as a collaborator in this tremendous ontaking of the Aging Community in Philadelphia.
- As a part of the Palliative and Hospice education component, they will be the collaborative partners for the Philadelphia and vicinity to facilitate the Hello Conversation Game about living and dying. “We will provide workshops and seminars to encourage and educate people to make quality life care decisions to avoid crisis for caregivers and loved ones during the end of life stage.
- The Hello game helps to more comfortably discuss living and dying issues. Common Practice manufactures and created the game. ICAP INC. will be the primary lead in introducing this game in the Philly area,” said Jethro Heiko, CEO of Common Practice, the manufacturer and creator.
- The second collaboration is with Boomers R’ Heroes a Philadelphia caregiver support group. “Caregivers are often invisible to the public, but generally are the ones who need to assist loved ones in making right life decisions. Knowledge is the key to proving better care to our loved ones. ICAP INC. will provide the Hello Game and additional resources to learn more about life planning from legal to funeral planning and all in between,” said Jean Kirkley, founder.
CLICK BELOW TO READ THE STORY IN FULL
CAREGIVING FOR THE CAREGIVER
Keynote Speaker at the “Caregiving for the Caregiver: Mind, Body, and Soul.”
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June, 2014 Jean Kirkley, CEO/Facilitator of Boomers 'R Heroes Caregiver Support Groups was keynote Speaker at the “Caregiving for the Caregiver: Mind, Body, and Soul.” The morning session took place at the WHYY Media Commons where CBS 3 and the CW Philly 57’s Emmy Award-winning health reporter Stephanie Stahl, served as the moderator for a panel discussion on the needs of family caregivers.
Click link below for full story and photosPictured with my esteemed panel member Louis Colbert, VP of Operations, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. It was a priviledge to participate in this program alongside these esteemed experts in the caregiver field.
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