Caregiving is at the heart of what Bethesda does every day.
Bethesda is composed of many types of caregivers, with highly skilled direct-care employees such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, medication aides, licensed social workers, chaplains, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists. Every day, they and the rest of the Bethesda team put residents, tenants and clients’ needs above all else in their daily work.
Today, Feb. 19, we honor the caregivers in our midst during National Caregivers Day.
The Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies established the third Friday in February as National Caregivers Day in 2015, and it was first observed in 2016. Initially, National Caregivers Day was created to honor healthcare professionals who provide long-term care and hospice. However, the day quickly is evolving into a day to show appreciation for all caregivers.
National Caregivers Day is a reminder that caregivers serve an important role in the daily lives of Bethesda residents, tenants and clients. Today, we honor and thank the compassionate caregivers at Bethesda, while also recognizing that the family and friends of those we care for also serve as caregivers alongside our team members.
Essential Caregivers
Through our Essential Caregiver program that follows Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, family and friends who are deemed to play a critical role in the quality of life for residents are allowed indoors at Bethesda to assist their loved one. These essential caregivers partner with Bethesda team members to provide additional support by helping with activities of daily living and/or emotional support. Essential caregivers are determined on an individual basis based on residents’ needs.
Bethesda at Home
Bethesda also teams up with caregivers in the community, working alongside those who provide care to a loved one who is living at home. Through Bethesda’s home health care program, Bethesda at Home, skilled caregivers assist with daily living and health care needs to help older adults live at home longer, while also providing some relief to caregivers.
Through Bethesda at Home, a variety of caregiving services can be provided such as skilled nursing care, physical therapy, personal care to assist with bathing and dressing, and homemaker services to help with housekeeping, shopping, and meal preparation.
DayBreak
Caregiving can be a rewarding experience; yet, it also can be stressful and time-consuming, as well as physical and emotionally draining.
Respite services, such as Bethesda’s DayBreak adult day program, allow caregivers to take a break during the day, rest and recharge, while their loved one is cared for in a safe, engaging environment. DayBreak offers social and recreational activities, nutritionally balanced meals, and health monitoring in a secure and relaxing environment.
Contact us
For information about Bethesda’s programs that support caregivers, contact:
- Bethesda At Home – Schedule a free assessment to determine which services are appropriate (320) 235-8364.
- DayBreak – The adult day program is open Monday through Friday. Contact Cindy Wilkens, adult day services program director, at (320) 235-4891.
- For additional information – Call Bethesda’s Welcome Center at (320) 214-5643.
Bethesda is grateful every day for the caregivers who work at Bethesda, as well as those who work alongside Bethesda team members. Caregivers share their heart every day with those they care for, and that’s a gift that will always be treasured.
#NationalCaregiversDay #ThankACaregiver #TeamBethesda
Bethesda is a not-for-profit social ministry organization dedicated to serving seniors in West Central Minnesota through residential and community-based health and wellness services. Bethesda has been caring for seniors for more than 100 years. We provide a full continuum of care, including skilled nursing care, short-stay therapy centers, home health care, outpatient therapy, independent and assisted living, adult day services, and a wellness center.