Nashville Group & Ruby Tuesday Show Their Love for Camp Progress

Cori (The Gathering), Progress Inc. Program Manager Annelise , Progress Executive Director Donna  and Rolander (The Gathering) pose with Camp Progress donation check.

The giving has continued well beyond Giving Tuesday for Camp Progress! 

Just last week, some generous folks dropped by Progress' office with a donation to Camp Progress. The men - who call themselves The Gathering - held a line dancing party at Progress and donated $150 (a portion of the proceeds from the party) to Camp Progress.

We also had some support from folks in the community through our Ruby Tuesday Give Back last month. Ruby Tuesday gave 20 percent of the proceeds from those who turned in our flyers to Camp Progress. About $140 was raised the weekend of the event.

 THANKS TO THE GATHERING AND RUBY TUESDAY. 

 Camp Progress  will offer youths ages 10-22 with intellectual disabilities a unique camp experience that nurtures their needs, opens their minds and emphasizes fun. The innovative indoor and outdoor activities focus on the “can” instead of the “cannot.” The camp takes place 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 9-July 18 at West End Middle School.

As the date of Camp Progress grows nearer, we are hoping to secure donations of volunteer time, activities and supplies of our youth participating at the camp. If you'd like an opportunity to be a part of the fun this summer, please contact Meika McClendon at m.mcclendon@progress-inc.org or  615-399-300 ext. 4714.

National Caregivers Month: Rebecca Fabry Says Her Job is all about "Love"

Cooking up Charles' favorite breakfast - fried eggs with cheese and toast - is just one aspect of what Rebecca Fabry considers to be her mission as a caregiver.  She is one of millions of caregivers across the country being honored for their compassionate care for National Caregivers Month.

It's not just a job for Rebecca, who first worked as a caregiver eight years ago, she said.
"You make doctor calls, you become friends with the family, and you really just have to love them to be there daily and learn so much about their needs and wants."

For almost two years, she has been a Progress senior care attendant, and most of that time has been spent with Charles Lane, 78.
Charles, a retired Smyrna factory worker, had a hard time welcoming Rebecca into his home, but he now considers Rebecca family.
"I realized I couldn't do everything I used to, so now I like to have company," she said. "She does real good. She's pretty close to being perfect."

Rebecca takes the kind words to heart. The joy for her is knowing that she can have a daily impact on Charles' lives. She helps Charles five days a week, and the two sometimes chat over the phone on the weekend. 

During the week, they go on walks through Charles' apartment neighborhood, chat about his old days of playing baseball and tend to his flower garden.

"It's about finding fun rituals that he can enjoy. As you lose your mobility and your memory, you still want to have something of your own. You just help them live the best life they can." 

Please share Rebecca's story by clicking the Facebook share or Twitter buttons on this page!

Progress Asks: Is your Elderly Loved One Depressed?

Depression in the elderly community often goes unnoticed. - Courtesy of www.caregiverstress.com .

Progress Asks: Is your Elderly Loved One Depressed?

When caring for an elderly parent or sibling, ensuring their basic needs are met is quite challenging. However, along with caring for the practical needs - feeding, clothing and personal hygiene - the emotional needs of your loved one are also important. In today's Progress Asks' segment, we look at some of the warning signs that could greatly affect the emotional and mental health of your spouse, parent or other loved one.

 According to the NIH, some of the changes and life events you may notice are:

• Adapting to a move from home to an apartment or retirement facility
• Chronic pain
• Feelings of isolation or loneliness as children move away and their spouse and close friends die
• Loss of independence (problems getting around, caring for themselves, or driving)
• Multiple illnesses
• Struggles with memory loss and problems thinking clearly

Look for the signs that an older loved one may be depressed and need help:

• Being more confused or forgetful.
• Eating less. The refrigerator may be empty or contain spoiled food.
• Not bathing or shaving as often. Visitors may notice smells of urine or stool. Clothes may be dirty and wrinkled.
• Not taking care of the home.
• Stopping medicines or not taking them correctly.
• Withdrawing from others. Not talking as much, and not answering the phone or returning phone calls.

For more information on this topic, visit our website www.progress-inc.org/senior.html to find out some of the ways we can assist you in caring for your loved one.
Source:
http://www.caregiverstress.com/illnesses-conditions/senior-depression/signs-of-depression-checklist/

Family & Friends Day -April 18th @ Progress!

Progress folks and Executive Director Donna Goodaker enjoying Activities Day 2012 last summer.

 SAVE THE DATE!

PROGRESS WILL HOST ITS FAMILY & FRIENDS DAY 

THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH FROM 3 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.

JOIN US FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS, 

FOOD, KARAOKE & MUSIC 

PROGRESS - MOVING FORWARD WITH ABILITIES

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP, E-MAIL STEPHANIE.

SLIDESHOW: HCA CARING COMMUNITY DAY AT PROGRESS

We cannot thank David Cannady and his crew of HCA employees enough for all their help during the HCA Caring Community Day 2012.  The annual event has helped Progress in so many ways. This year, the employees moved furniture, filed documents, helped assemble emergency kits that will be used at the homes of our clients, gardened and spent time decorating pumpkins with our day program clients. Please view our slideshow dedicated to the day of volunteering.