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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Promoting Positive Change
by
Beth Hinkley
This month we introduce you to two people who share the responsibility of facilitating the Caregiver Support Groups at Elder Services, each of whom sets a good example of caring for yourself so you can also take care of others.
Both Bea Cowlin and Nancy Judson wear at least two hats at Elder Services. Cowlin, a social worker, is both the Caregiver Liaison and a housing programs social worker. Judson, a nurse, is a Home Care R.N. and Cowlin’s backup in facilitating the twice monthly Caregiver Support Group. They know first hand that caring for yourself is the first step in being a good caregiver to another person and they practice what they preach. Each woman is a daughter who lovingly assists her own mother with the challenges of the aging process. At the same time, they are supportive problem solvers for people with whom they have a professional connection.
Cowlin began her current profession after working in the retail field and raising children. She graduated in 1995 with a degree in Sociology from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, formerly North Adams State College, and joined Elder Services in 1996. She has worked in the Elder at Risk, Adult Family Care and Group Adult Foster Care programs prior to being named the Family Caregiver Liaison in 2001. In this role, she helps caregivers find assistance and support, providing educational materials, information and resources to address the multi-layered needs of providing care to a loved one. Due to her experience with hundreds of caregivers and her keen observational skills, she can assess a stressful situation and problem-solve with individuals to enable them to identify barriers to more successful care experiences. "Sometimes caregivers need to let go of the way things were in the past and move to a more realistic perception of how a loved one is doing now." Cowlin said. She provides a calming and supportive presence to the people she works with, helping them to enrich their caregiving experience. In addition to visits at caregivers’ homes, Cowlin facilitates daytime and evening support groups Elder Services’ 66 Wendell Avenue offices for caregivers, who gain access to important information and come to know that they are not alone, both key to successful caregiving.
To care for herself, Cowlin makes time for yoga, reading, listening to music, and walking during her lunch break. Along with enjoying her grandchildren, a favorite get away is going to the ocean.
Judson pursued her Bachelor degree in nursing in the 1960's at the University of Florida, chosen for its progressive R.N. program. She worked in pediatric intensive care and at the pediatric oncology unit at Children’s Hospital in Boston. She moved to the Berkshires in 1985 and worked as charge nurse at Fairview Manor and in the nursing and Staff Development departments of Timberlyn Heights in Great Barrington. A cancer survivor, Judson comfortably speaks about her cancer experience with gratitude for every single precious moment - living one day at a time. "I take a holistic approach to my lifestyle and value the peacefulness of time alone, to replenish myself from time spent working with others. Working at Elder Services is a perfect fit to use all of my nursing experience and to be responsive to the people I see over the long term." reflected Judson. At Elder Services since 1999, Judson develops nursing assessments and care plans for clients receiving home care services, and also conducts Coordination of Care screening of individuals receiving nursing home care. She enjoys working closely with her clients and the health care team at Elder Services.
Sharing a similar view of the value of the caregiver support group, Judson likes to see caregivers brainstorming together to develop solutions to address the challenges of caregiving.
Cowlin and Judson agree that finding the balance in the physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of life needs their attention each day. They understand and appreciate that the family caregivers they meet often lose sight of the importance of connecting with others.
Cowlin said, "It is gratifying when we find ourselves in the delicate position of promoting positive change in others, sometimes just by being a quiet presence with them."