Finding Growth and Gratitude in Caregiving with Martha Ranon of Southern Caregiver Resource Center, Episode 149

Martha Ranon learned firsthand what it’s like to be a personal caregiver, and now she’s working to support and empower other caregivers.  #caregiving #caregiver #dementia #Alzheimers #seriousillness #hospice #endoflife   https://theheartofhospice.libsyn.com/finding-growth-and-gratitude-in-caregiving-with-martha-ranon-of-southern-caregiver-resource-center-episode-149 Along with the team at the Southern Resource Caregiver Center (SCRC), Martha is educating unpaid family caregivers on caregiving and self care.  Martha’s first encounter with caregiving was with her great aunt.  Those caregiving responsibilities grew over time as her aunt’s needs expanded, to the point where the decision was made to move her aunt into Martha’s home.  Full time work, having children, and raising her family were all happening while Martha was providing care for her aunt.  The special considerations of caring for someone with dementia also challenged Martha and her family.  They found ways to grow and thrive during their caregiving journey.   Martha has channeled her caregiving wisdom into her career as Executive Vice President of the Southern Resource Caregiver Center.  The assistance she received motivated her to give back by volunteering and becoming further involved as a member of their Board of Directors. Her background in health and public policy has allowed her to forge relationships and collaborations with community leaders, businesses, elected officials and philanthropists in order to develop programs and services that benefit the community. Having worked directly with several local and state elected officials managing constituent services, further developed her advocacy acumen taking her to Sacramento and Washington DC to increase awareness of health-related policies. Additionally, she has testified on behalf of family caregivers before the California Commission on Aging to expand the benefits and resources for those who care for others. Martha uses her extensive public speaking skills to bring education programs to community groups throughout San Diego County including being a guest lecturer at San Diego State University, School of Social Work and teaching a course in Gerontology titled “Diversity and Aging.” You can access the caregiving resources from the Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC) at scrc.care. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter! Contact SCRC by phone at 1-800-827-1008. Follow SCRC on Facebook. Find your Area Agency on Aging here.  Find more information about hospice philosophy, end of life care, and self care for both personal and professional caregivers here.   Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiver podcasts by clicking here.  Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to [email protected].  Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)