Care Giver Kuel Category Expert: Lisa Gates
Namaste! When is the last time any of you have turned to the peaceful and healing aspects of nature?
“It is an easy and inexpensive way to find peacefulness and explore new areas that one might not have thought of discovering before.”
Area Of North Port:
Our own backyard represents the peacefulness and calmness that one deserves to find that inner peace. I, living in Florida, have found so many state parks that feature waterfalls, caverns, walking trails and picnic sites. We have nine parks alone in this unknown but recently “known” area of North Port. It is an easy and inexpensive way to find peacefulness and explore new areas that one might not have thought of discovering before.
Also, a great way to find new hobbies like photography, bird watching and join a group that introduces you to new friends. And, learn more about your local conservancy and join Facebook groups, to meet others in a nurturing environment that doesn’t focus on illness it focuses on nature.
You can download the NPS application that has tools to explore more than 400 national parks. NPS has interactive maps, tours, or park places and accessibility information.
Gals Who Hike Florida:
In Florida, we have a Facebook group called “Gals Who Hike Florida” which is a group of hike ambassadors all around the state who either get together hike or give guided walks. A wonderful resource to connect with caregivers who can provide an alternative to sitting around and give a purposeful, soulful way to connect with others.
10 Reasons For Caregivers To Turn To Nature For Solace:
- Walks in nature help your memory
- You feel happier
- Nature can heal
- You concentrate better
- It prompts weight loss
- Vitamin D improves
- Limits stress
- Promotes graceful aging
- Improves anti-cancer proteins in females
- Decreases depression
“It’s knowing someone is near and cares.”
Caregivers Connection Coalition:
Need any more reasons? In Florida, our nonprofit, along with the Caregiver Connection Coalition is starting to plan “Magical Mystery Walks”. Which is a free event held at local parks complete with vendor vignettes and guided walks that include volunteers who have experienced loss, to serve as companions and listeners, or just be by a caregiver’s side with silence. It’s knowing someone is near and cares. It provides a new way to support with or without words. Reminding me of Simon and Garfunkel’s song, “The Sound of Silence” true meaning.
“Hello darkness, my old friend
I’ve come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sounds of silence”
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About the Author:
Lisa Gates has worked within the senior living industry for eight years as an Administrator for an adult day health program and served in various sales and marketing capacities with Brookdale Senior Living. She has helped numerous families navigate through their journey as a caregiver, with an emphasis on dementia and Alzheimer’s. In addition, she has held numerous sales and consulting roles within the real estate and hospitality industry. She is the Co-founder and CEO of a nonprofit (501-c-3) Metamorphosis-3, which was created in 2019. Its mission is to provide programs for isolated seniors, caregivers, and intergenerational programs. This nonprofit will provide services in all geographic areas.
