COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL MAY 17, 2017
11A
Living 50 Plus in Cottage Grove
Shirley McDaniels set to retire after 35 years
I
care for the eldery," Shirley McDaniel says but she's care-
ful to add, "Of which I'm not. I'm 80." And after 35 years of
working to insure elderly residents of Cottage Grove could
stay in their homes, McDaniel's is ready to call it quits.
She's been working in the fi eld for over three decades, fi rst with
Evelyn Hart who began efforts to establish a caretakers program in
the city in 1987.
"She had a passion to elderly in their home so she sarted a pro-
gram that included nurses, hospice and Operation Independece
which was the caregiveres who went into the homes and cared for
the elderly. At one time had over 50 employees and 100 clients,"
McDaniel said.
When Magnolia opened, the pair lost a share of their clients but
with the buyout of Cottage Grove Hospital to PeaceHealth, they
had a new home. Operation Independence functioned under Peace-
Health until 2005.
"Then, I went independent," McDaniel said. "Word got around
that I was doing caregiving and people coming into town looking
for work or caregivers who lived here would call me and I would
coordinate work for them and myself ."
Then, three years ago, McDaniel joined forces with another Cot-
tage Grove resident to start caregiver meetings on the fi rst Monday
of every month. There, caregivers can share information and re-
ceived it from guest speakers.
"I have a passion for caregiving," McDaniel said. A passion she
thinks may have its roots in caring for her own grandmother and
later, her aunts.
And while she'll miss her clients and the people she works with,
McDaniel isn't slowing down.
"I have met a wonderful man and I'm getting married July 8,"
she said.
The pair plan to travel, where exactly they don't know yet but
according to McDaniel a cruise may be involved.
"It's just going to be a lot of traveling. I had a couple of clients
and whenever I started dating my future husband, we started plan-
ning our wedding so that took care of what I'm going to do the rest
of my life."
When they return home, McDaniels says she'll enjoy her time
with her new husband and become more involved with her church
located here in Cottage Grove.
I'm going to miss the people, going into the homes and getting to
know the people that I have many many memories of," she said.
Caregiver tips
Don’t strive for perfection
It isn’t possible to maintain a patient attitude and get ev-
erything done perfectly each and every day. People are not
perfect and mistakes will be made. Do not punish yourself if
you lash out or simply need a break
Pay attention to mood changes
Anxiety or depression can sneak up on you when you least
expect it. Ask for help if you feel your tasks are becoming too
overwhelming. Seek the help of a doctor if changes in mood,
sleeping patterns, appetite, and the like become noticeable.
Take frequent breaks
Getting a break from caregiving and setting aside time for
yourself can increase patience levels and the ability to bounce
back from stress. Whenever possible, have a friend or another
relative step in for you so you get a break. Explore resources
available for professional aides to come and take some of the
responsibilities off of your shoulders.
Senior Center Calender for May
18: Hand and Foot cards or Mexican Train dominos 12:30 p.m.
19: Pinochle 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
22: Bingo 12:45 p.m.
23 Painting, woodcarving, charity quilting 10 a.m.
24: Needle arts and crafts 1-4 and pinochle 11:30-4
25 BUNCO 12 p.m.
29:Memorial day
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700 E. Gibbs Ave., www.cgchamber.com
541-942-2411