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Ellen Knapp

MA, LPC, ALCA – Certified Geriatric Care Manager

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Support for the caregiver

March 12, 2013 By Ellen Knapp

Modern medicine and surgeries have transformed our lives. It’s miraculous to be able to overcome illness and injury. Who doesn’t hope for a cure, a way of “defeating” threats to our lives?  But  for some of us, we might be impacted by the medical process in ways we are not prepared for.  Perhaps the person with the medical condition does not completely return to full independence. Or in the case of aging, our frail elders just need increasing assistance as year after amazing year goes by. Or it could be a combination of both of the above.

With regards to aging, in 1996 when I first began working professionally with older people, it was unusual that we’d see someone over the age of  100. It was a marvel and cause for celebration and for taking endless photographs of the elder. Now, we can see in the paper that people making it over the age of 100 is no longer big news. And it’s almost commonplace to meet nonagenarians – many of whom are still active in community life and can manage very well independently.

Likewise younger people of all ages are surviving against all odds medical conditions that until very recently were considered fatal. And like our elders, lots of these survivors return to a normal, active life.

However some who undergo surgery or are given medications to help with illness may not be so fortunate when it comes to being independent. Yes, they may have survived conditions that used to end life, but sometimes at a cost. Sometimes they find themselves with many more dependency needs – and where do they naturally turn? To their  spouses, families, friends and communities. And so while the numbers of illness survivors is skyrocketing, so are the numbers of family/community caregivers.

Caregiving is probably one of the most rewarding ways we can give back to other people. Also it can be one of the most exhausting, lonely, invisible, emotionally confusing periods in our lives.

Since the population of caregivers is growing astronomically, there are so many thoughtful writings, discussions and ways to support caregivers popping up.  There are more caregiver hotlines and support groups coming together.

I have a few  articles and names of national caregiver groups to share with you. And I will soon be offering a caregiver support group for spouses and partners, here in Boulder. Stay tuned!

After the Caregiving Ends – NYTimes.com

Caregiver Burnout

The Reluctant Caregiver – NYTimes.com

Articles about Caregiving – Los Angeles Times

Groups/hotlines for caregivers:

Well Spouse Association | Well Spouse Association

Empowered Caregiver Network | More Than Just Coping

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COVID-19 Update

Due to the potential spread of COVID, I am primarily meeting clients via phone calls, Face Time or Zoom. However, I can meet clients in person, but only under these conditions: In a well … [Read More...] about COVID-19 Update

What people are saying about Ellen . . .

I shall always be grateful to Ellen for creating such a caring place and looking upon my mother not simply as a patient, but as a valuable person and friend.

— Gail Hageman
Ellen Knapp
2020-06-19T21:23:46+00:00
I shall always be grateful to Ellen for creating such a caring place and looking upon my mother not simply as a patient, but as a valuable person and friend. — Gail Hageman
https://ellenknapp.com/testimonials/641
Ellen is a remarkable person who is talented and motivated in her life and work. ... most impressive is Ellen’s drive to elevate the quality of her life and those around her through practical measures as well as the application of new ideas and philosophies.

— Robin Kay
Ellen Knapp
2020-06-19T21:24:23+00:00
Ellen is a remarkable person who is talented and motivated in her life and work. ... most impressive is Ellen’s drive to elevate the quality of her life and those around her through practical measures as well as the application of new ideas and philosophies. — Robin Kay
https://ellenknapp.com/testimonials/ellen-is-a-remarkable-person
Under Ellen’s leadership Aunt Evelyn received excellent, respectful care.

– Senator Jeanne Nicholson
Ellen Knapp
2020-06-19T21:24:46+00:00
Under Ellen’s leadership Aunt Evelyn received excellent, respectful care. – Senator Jeanne Nicholson
https://ellenknapp.com/testimonials/aunt-ellen-received-excellent-respectful-care
Ellen taught me so much about not only the compassionate care of the long lived, but the beauty and wisdom we miss when, as a culture we don’t embrace this stage of life.

– Mani Powers
Ellen Knapp
2020-06-19T21:25:07+00:00
Ellen taught me so much about not only the compassionate care of the long lived, but the beauty and wisdom we miss when, as a culture we don’t embrace this stage of life. – Mani Powers
https://ellenknapp.com/testimonials/ellen-taught-me-so-much
Ellen Knapp is one of the kindest and gentlest people I’ve ever met. She dealt with the residents in an unfailingly respectful, compassionate, skilled and loving way.

– Martha Johnson
Ellen Knapp
2020-06-19T21:25:27+00:00
Ellen Knapp is one of the kindest and gentlest people I’ve ever met. She dealt with the residents in an unfailingly respectful, compassionate, skilled and loving way. – Martha Johnson
https://ellenknapp.com/testimonials/ellen-knapp-is-one-of-the-kindest-and-gentlest-people
Ellen truly delights in what makes our mom special. She sees and celebrates her sensibility and wit. This genuine interest sparks Mom to the core, while Ellen attends astutely to more practical matters. ... We’re so thrilled to see Mom flourish again as an artist, and so very glad to have Ellen in our lives.

 
Ellen Knapp
2020-06-19T22:00:28+00:00
Ellen truly delights in what makes our mom special. She sees and celebrates her sensibility and wit. This genuine interest sparks Mom to the core, while Ellen attends astutely to more practical matters. ... We’re so thrilled to see Mom flourish again as an artist, and so very glad to have Ellen in our lives.  
https://ellenknapp.com/testimonials/ellen-truly-delights-in-what-makes-our-mom-special
Ellen was the perfect person to help me with my aging-parents struggle. She has a gentle, soothing demeanor, but she is very wise and qualified. She really cared that I got better and stronger. She helped me process the truth and see the boundaries I needed to not be the victim.

Thank you Ellen. I don’t think I could have done it without you!

– Sheila
Ellen Knapp
2020-06-19T22:05:07+00:00
Ellen was the perfect person to help me with my aging-parents struggle. She has a gentle, soothing demeanor, but she is very wise and qualified. She really cared that I got better and stronger. She helped me process the truth and see the boundaries I needed to not be the victim. Thank you Ellen. I don’t think I could have done it without you! – Sheila
https://ellenknapp.com/testimonials/ellen-was-the-perfect-person-to-help-me
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Ellen Knapp

Contact Ellen Knapp: ellen@ellenknapp.com • 720-217-9614