admhts, Author at Here To Serve

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Big Names behind Here to Serve: Henry Jordan

When it comes to Here to Serve continuing to grow and serve more families, we can never emphasize enough the value of support that comes from caring entrepreneurs and corporations. Among those most influential who stand with Here to Serve is Henry Jordan, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Wells Fargo Capital Finance.

Henry’s friendship with the founders of Here to Serve dates back 40 years when Henry and Here to Serve’s Co-Founder Silvio Quintas were friends at La Salle High School. Their friendship flourished as the years went on.

When Katie and Silvio Quintas started Here to Serve, they shared their idea with Henry who gave them wise counsel and advice. He was inspired by a cause that would help families with children in medical crisis by creating a stable environment and providing practical help and useful medical recourses. Also as a friend to Quintas family, he knew about their own battle with terrible diseases including cancer and felt compelled to show support to this charity.

Both Wells Fargo Capital Finance and Henry’s family have been supporting Here to Serve financially. Henry himself serves on the Advisory Board. Busy as he has been, he involves himself in Here to Serve’s events and provides advice and support. He participated in Golf Tournaments the last two years and sponsored their Casino Night in memory of Silvio this month.

“If people are considering donations, I would have them spend a little time directly with Katie,” Henry suggested. Conversations with an insider always helps people better know the situations of people in need. In addition, Henry recommends referring to Here to Serve and GuideStar’s websites, as a good sources to get to know some of the families with children in medical crisis. GuideStar rates Here to Serve as a five-star nonprofit through reviews of the charity!

Caring for the Caregiver: 10 Tips When Providing Meals

The following is general information and may not apply for every situation. Please check with the recipient family or meal coordinator.

Find out what the family normally eats and use that to guide your decision on what to offer.
If possible, offer the family a choice of meals. Try to offer variety by checking what other meals have been provided within a few days of the time you would like to take a meal.
Find out if any family members have any food sensitivities or allergies (lactose intolerant, peanut allergies, gluten intolerant etc.)
Arrange a time to deliver the meal and be on time. Call if there is a change in plans.
Use disposable containers to make cleanup easier. This will also eliminate the need for the family to keep track of and return the container. If you must use a non-disposable container and would like them returned, please label with your name and phone number. Or when you arrive see if you can transfer the food to their serving dishes. If not, follow up with the family a week or more later making the effort to pick up the containers versus having the family find time to return them Include disposable utensils (forks, knives, cups, etc.) when making deliveries outside the home, to a hospital or other facility.
Label the containers with the contents, date prepared, and your name.
Give clear written instructions for any preparation that may need to be done (heating times/temps, etc.). This can be on an attached piece of paper or written directly on a disposable container or foil covering.
It’s usually a great time to visit briefly with the family when delivering a meal. Unless specifically asked to stay longer, it is usually best to keep your visit short. If the family is not ready for company, only stay as long as necessary. Please respect the family’s needs and wishes.
If you would like to provide a meal without cooking it yourself, takeout food from a restaurant is also an option. Again check food restrictions and allergies to be sure the food is prepared properly.
Gift certificates that deliver can also help fill in any gaps that may occur. The recipient can choose the meal and arrange to have it delivered when it is convenient.

Use these tips for caring for the caregiver to help out friends and family!

Here are tips to help prove care for the caregivers

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

Overcoming Caregiver Challenges

No matter how much you love them, little else in life tests family boundaries and challenges your sanity quite like caregiving. Taking care of another human being is already difficult work for a number of reasons. It can be physically challenging, emotionally demanding, financially taxing, and psychologically draining to be a caregiver. The responsibility can take a toll on your relationships with co-workers, your spouse, friends, and other acquaintances. Throw in the “family” wrench, and things can really get ugly. Becoming a caregiver changes things dramatically. Caregiving for a family member, and at times, doing so in coordination with other family members, takes this already life-altering change to the next level.

Having said that, caring for a family member in this manner isn’t always a recipe for disaster! In fact, if you and your relatives have the level of maturity, acceptance, flexibility, and compassion necessary to approach the situation with grace, then caregiving for a family member can be one of the most rewarding journeys your family has ever embarked on together. It can truly be a time of blessing, bonding, growth, and honor. Always keep this in mind as you embrace this new stage in your family’s development – especially in those tense moments that are sure to come.

Call in the forces; Find strength in numbers!

Too often as a caregiver you believe you are on this journey alone. Or as the designated person to lead caregiving for a critically ill family member you see yourself as “in charge” and that means you do it all! Big mistake and one that will cost you your sanity and the grace you need to deal with the challenges ahead! This is not a time to withdraw and take all responsibilities upon your own shoulders. It is time to grab the hands of those reaching out to you! Many times you don’t know how to do that effectively. Here are some ideas that will help.

Be willing and vulnerable to share your fears and needs. This is not a point of weakness but of strength. In your humility you will find tremendous strength of character. There are many who would find it a blessing to be there for you. (Our next blog will share with you how to develop your help network.) Here are some ideas you may want to think about when people ask how they can help you:

Preparing Meals
Household Chores – mowing the lawn, going grocery shopping, cleaning the house
Doing online research on a topic you need additional information on
A handyman to do a few repairs that have been left undone
A night to yourself
Help with picking up prescriptions, kids, health care items, etc.

Most people are asking because they really want to help you. You need to keep in mind that they are receiving something far greater than what they are giving to you; they are receiving the blessing and satisfaction of doing something important for another person they care about. Don’t deny them that pleasure and say “Yes!” when they ask if they can do something to help you! You don’t always have to be the giver. There are far greater blessings you give to others when you agree to accept their heartfelt generosity and allow them to give to you!