Having trouble viewing this email? Right click the top of this email and select "download pictures" or "add to safe senders list" to view JFS images & content.  

Dear Caregivers,

Welcome to another week!

See below for this week's news and announcements.



JFS COMPASS HOLIDAY GATHERING

JFS COMPASS Holiday Gathering

Tuesday December 12, 10:30a-12:00p

Location: SIEGEL JCC (building connected to JFS)


Please join us for a holiday gathering for COMPASS patients and caregivers to come together with each other and with the COMPASS Team this season. Feel free to join for some or all of the time. The mood will be festive, with refreshments, music and games.


Be on the lookout for a separate email with your formal invitation and RSVP request!

CAREGIVER TIP OF THE WEEK: BOUNDARIES   

Part 3 of 4: Rigid Boundaries    

 

We continue with our Boundaries series, adapted from content originally authored by JFS Fellowship Program Director, Wendell Covell, LCSW. We hope it will continue to be a helpful support to you as we head into the holidays.


Today we are picking back up with our boundaries series by introducing rigid boundaries. Two weeks ago, we talked about porous boundaries, rigid boundaries are on the other end of the spectrum as far as boundaries go. Rigid boundaries are protective, particularly to personal or vulnerable information (like our feelings), and closed off or detached. People who utilize this boundary style are much less likely to ask for help, and may have few close relationships. Rigid boundaries can be tough because they sometimes come with a “my way or the highway” type message, and limit the opportunity for intimacy in our relationships. When we use rigid boundaries we often times don’t create space for other opinions or values, and make decisions based just on what we feel is important.


These boundaries are often adopted by us when we feel unsafe, or like we need to overly protect our emotional health. Sometimes they might exist in specific relationships, and sometimes people may utilize them in all or most of their relationships. It’s important to remember that while rigid boundaries are adopted to protect us, they leave us lonely and create strain in our relationships.

Just like with porous boundaries - If you use rigid boundaries frequently it is important to evaluate why and with who. The origin of rigid boundaries are often connected to previous conflicts, pain, self-esteem, or family of origin issues.


In the next and final installment of the Boundaries series in two weeks, we will discuss healthy boundaries and how to work towards them when they aren’t there. As always, the COMPASS team is here for you--please reach out with any needs.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

JFS COMPASS Holiday Gathering

Tuesday December 12, 10:30a-12:00p

Location: SIEGEL JCC (building connected to JFS)


Please join us for a festive gathering for COMPASS patients and caregivers to come together with each other and with the COMPASS Team this holiday season. Feel free to join for some or all of the time. Pizza and soda will be served.


More information to come in the coming days! 

Savvy Caregiver Training Program

Tuesday December 5, 10:15a-11:45a (final session for fall 2023)



Savvy Caregiver is a nationally recognized leading evidence-based dementia family caregiver training program designed to provide mastery over caregiving skills. Led by COMPASS team social workers, Laura Dickol, LMSW and Barb Hughes, LMSW, the program will provide participants mastery of dementia knowledge and caregiving skills as you care for your relative living with dementia. As an option for your person with dementia, we will also be offering Memory Cafe to run concurrently at the JCC from 10am-12pm.  


Registration for the fall 2023 session of Savvy Caregiver is currently closed but be on the lookout for spring 2024 registration in the coming months.

Memory Cafe

Tuesday December 5, 10:00a-12:00p (final session for fall 2023)


We have decided to open up a few more slots for COMPASS patients to attend the COMPASS Memory Cafe! Any COMPASS patient is now welcome to enroll (it is no longer required that attendees have a caregiver who is enrolled in the Savvy Caregiver class). Memory Cafe is a safe, supportive space for individuals experiencing memory changes to enjoy engaging activities that focus on strengths and are planned to encourage inclusion of all guests.  Memory Cafe is facilitated by JFS staff and caregivers are welcome to accompany their person with dementia or patients can attend alone.


  • Every Tuesday until 12/5, 10a-12p
  • Held at the JCC but please enter through JFS


Registration for Memory Cafe is required in advance. Please contact Kate to register.

COMPASS Caregiver Therapy and Support Group

Wednesday December 13, 5-6 PM


Did you know that the COMPASS community has an ongoing therapy group for caregivers? The COMPASS Caregiver Therapy and Support Group is co-led by JFS social work clinicians (Emily Barnshaw and Jordan Gerecke) and is billed through our participant’s insurance. It is strictly for COMPASS caregivers, and the focus for each session is on introducing and developing various therapy concepts that directly connect to the caregiving experience and stress that comes with it. It is an active group, and participants often use their insight and personal experiences to take the conversation into productive and new directions. We meet virtually on a bi-weekly basis (every other Wednesday from 5-6pm). Due to insurance, this group is only available to caregivers who reside in Delaware.  


Please note that the Caregiver Therapy and Support Group will be held on Wednesday 12/13 as scheduled and will then take a pause, resuming on Wednesday 1/24 at 5p.


Please note that this group is currently at capacity. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email Kate. 

COMPASS ON CALL SERVICE:

PHONE NUMBER: (302) 530-3159         


HOURS: Weekdays/Business Days: 5PM – 8AM

               Weekends/Non-Business Days: 24/7

  • The COMPASS On Call service is available to assist with urgent patient/caregiver needs related to the patient’s dementia care plan, such as providing support and guidance if the patient is experiencing a behavioral symptom crisis or if the caregiver is experiencing a caregiver stress crisis
  • The COMPASS On Call Service is staffed by JFS clinical staff from across the agency, including social workers and care managers, who work closely with the COMPASS team. Your call will be returned within 1 hour. 
  • Non-urgent needs, such as canceling/rescheduling appointments or prescription refill requests, are best addressed by the COMPASS team during business hours. Non-urgent information can still be sent to COMPASS team members after hours by voicemail or portal message.  
  • Patients and Caregivers are directed to contact the patient’s primary care provider regarding concerns related to the patient’s general medical conditions and any urgent medical symptoms. For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1. 

COMPASS PATIENT PORTAL:

Access the COMPASS portal here or click on the box below.

COMPASS PATIENT PORTAL

FOLLOW JFS on social media!

Keep up with what's new at JFS Delaware!

Comment, Like, and SHARE!

Facebook  Instagram  Linkedin  Youtube  

The JFS COMPASS Mission is to provide specialized medical care for older adults with dementia and just as importantly, critical support for their caregivers—including education, counseling and improved access to services—with the over-arching goal that patients and families affected by dementia in our community will receive the care and support they need to navigate the challenges they face. We strive to do this with a spirit of service and compassion. 

Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) is a nonprofit human services agency with a mission to strengthen individuals, families, and the community by providing counseling and support services. With an interdisciplinary and innovative approach, we combine talent, expertise, and leadership to make our robust therapeutic and support services available to everyone, regardless of religion, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or special need.

99 Passmore Road
Wilmington, DE 19803

20684 John J Williams Hwy, Suite 4
Lewes, DE 19958

(302) 478-9411
DONATE