Salute to Family Caregivers

Salute to Family Caregivers

Thursday, November 12, 2026

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Image: livinhealthynow.com accessed 19 October 2026

SALUTE TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS by Gail K. Kachnycz 12 November 2026

     November is National Family Caregivers Month. It has been said that "It takes a village to raise a child." There is a parallel to caring for someone experiencing chronic illness. The effects of an illness can be physical, mental, emotional and social. By its very nature, chronic illness is ongoing, and quite often involves a decline in health. As this occurs, a variety of professional health specialists, social supports, and community resources may be needed. However, the role of family caregiver is essential. It is often overlooked, or just an expectation automatically assigned to immediate and extended family members. The person who receives care may be so physically or mentally impaired that they cannot express their thanks themselves. National Family Caregivers Month is one way to recognize the immense contribution of family members who provide supports individually and in concert with other relatives.

     Here are just a few of the supports I have seen provided by family, friends, and church fellowship:

THANK YOU for providing hands-on physical care. THANK YOU for being patient and assuring a safe environment for those with dementia. THANK YOU for making medical appointments, providing transportation, and obtaining prescriptions. THANK YOU for advocating and asking questions at the medical visits. THANK YOU for making and delivering meals, and possibly spending some time chatting with the receiver. THANK YOU for including the family member in social events, providing transportation to parties, weddings, funerals, church services, and assisting with navigating the logistics of the event. THANK YOU for investigating if a venue is ADA accessible. THANK YOU for assisting with voting and participation in community events. THANK YOU for visiting the loved one in a care facility, and doing laundry/providing personal items that make the place more homey. THANK YOU for checking on foundations, societies, and associations for the specific condition of the loved one, and accessing supports from that organization.

     I am sure there are supports I have not acknowledged. Whatever you do to improve the management of your loved one's condition, increase their quality of life, and include them as a valued member of your family, THANK YOU. Know that you are recognized and appreciated. You are not alone. Take some time for self-care. I will list some links to previous posts that give information about support groups for caregivers.

Unsung But Not Unseen 6/12/25 

Jean Kirkley has support groups in person and by Zoom for caregivers, Alzheimer, and grief support

Introducing...A Boomer Hero

    

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RECIPE: Basic Strata (Egg Casserole with Bread)

RECIPE: Basic Strata (Egg Casserole with Bread)

Friday, November 6, 2026

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Image: Strata with Herb Focaccia Bread, Onion, Cheese, and Salmon by Gail K. Kachnycz

     By now you know that I love simple recipes that use up left-overs. Strata requires dry bread, so it automatically qualifies as a use for bread that is no longer fresh. The original recipe for this strata is "Sausage and Cheese Strata with Sour Cream" which I accessed from Food.com on October 30, 2026. I like it because it is very simple, and calls for only 6 eggs. The amount of sour cream is quite flexible, so you can use whatever is in the "must go" stage. Or, you could substitute cream cheese or plain yogurt. This recipe calls for 2 cups of milk. Since I only buy dry milk powder, it is easy for me to mix up on an "as needed" basis. The recipe lists 2 cups cheddar cheese, but I used mozzarella for the internal layer and cheddar for the top. We had served Herb Focaccia bread to guests for dinner. I froze the left-over bread, thawed it to use in this recipe, and the herbs added great flavor to the dish. Instead of sausage, I added a 6 oz can of salmon. For vegetarian options, broccoli goes well with cheddar. If using mozzarella, sauteed bell peppers, sliced tomatoes and Italian seasoning would go well. You get the idea. Use what you have.

     This can also be made as a sweet casserole if you want to use up stale donuts, cinnamon rolls,  beignets, coffee cake, waffles, or really any type of sweetened bread. The more stale, the better, as some recipes for strata recommend the bread be toasted or sauteed to dry it out. Just eliminate the savory elements, such as the onions, and add in sweet such as fruit or jam. Here is the recipe from Food.com

INGREDIENTS: NOTE: This recipe needs 2 hours to overnight to soak up the egg mixture.

1 lb day-old Italian bread or French bread, about 8 cups cubed (I like a one inch size)

1 lb bulk pork sausage or breakfast sausage (I had none so I added a 6 oz can of salmon)

1 medium onion, diced/ or a few green onions/scallions

6 large eggs

2 cups milk (I make milk as needed from dry milk powder)

1/3 to 1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar (divided) (I used half mozzarella and half cheddar)

1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper (I held off on this because of the canned salmon & herb bread)

1. PREP THE BREAD: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the dish.

2. COOK THE MEAT AND AROMATICS: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink; drain excess grease. Saute' the diced onion in the same pan (or with a bit of butter) until soft.

3. LAYER THE DISH: Scatter the cooked sausage, onions, and about half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread cubes. Top with the remaining bread cubes. 

4. MIX THE CUSTARD: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt and black pepper until smooth (Note: if making a sweet strata, do not use black pepper) Pour the egg and sour cream mixture over the bread and sausage layers. Push down the bread so that all are submerged.

5. TOP AND CHILL: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight so the bread will absorb the custard.

6. BAKE: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Uncover the strata and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until puffed, golden, and set in the center (knife inserted comes out clean). Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

STORING LEFT-OVERS: cut in pieces, place in airtight container with wax paper between layers. Consume in 3-4 days.

MAKING AHEAD: use a baking dish that can tolerate freezing. Prepare as directed up to baking step. Cover well with plastic wrap and seal with aluminum foil. This can freeze for 2-3 months. To prepare, allow to thaw in fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature and bake according to directions.

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EMERGENCY PREPARATION #4 Pantry Supplies

EMERGENCY PREPARATION #4 Pantry Supplies

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

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EMERGENCY PREPARATION #4; Pantry Supplies

     I recently spent two weeks in Ocean City, NJ. This coastal town is lovely and very peaceful, but susceptible to battering from storms. Hurricanes are possible from June through November 30, and Nor'Easters are more common in cold weather. This time, the island was hit with both: a rare September Nor'Easter, and the severe rain & winds from the remnants of Hurricane Isaias in early October. The weather between these two storms was absolutely lovely. I just delayed my arrival by a day and left one day earlier than planned. However, sometimes we just need to weather the storm. A friend who lives in Florida says that every year she restocks her pantry before the hurricane season. After November she begins to use up the non-perishables, then starts to purchase new items in the spring to rotate stock. Although the Delaware Valley can be affected by hurricanes, power outages due to flash floods, high winds, or snow storms. Other emergencies can happen at any time. We need to have pantry items on hand through all the seasons, and possibly plan to rotate stock spring and fall.  

Rather than re-invent the wheel, I am sharing a link to an article in Better Homes & Gardens that lists essential pantry items to have on hand for an emergency:

What Foods to Stock for an Emergency: A Complete Guide 

I would modify the supplies in this way: (1) 2,000 calories is a standard used on nutrition labels. For children, check with the medical provider at the annual physical. Nursing mothers usually need 3,000 calories. (2) Lean heavily toward foods that do not require heating, especially if your range is electric. Loss of power is one of the most common problems that happens. (3) Store the items above ground level, or on shelving to raise them should flooding affect lower levels of your home.   

Here are links to other blog posts related to preparing for emergencies:

6/25/25 Emergency #1 Power Outage

8/20/25 Emergency #2 Critical Supplies 

1/21/26 Emergency #3 Snow  

7/3/26 Hot Weather Safety

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Resources/Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Resources/Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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Image from Pixabay, accessed 13 October 2026

OCTOBER: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

     Emphasizing breast cancer awareness in October was initiated in 1985 by the American Cancer Society. The pink ribbon was first used in 1992. Cancer treatment can be debilitating, and overlaps with many of the characteristics of chronic illness. This week's post features two links that connect to various organizations providing supports for those affected by breast cancer.

Education and Practical Supports:

National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc 

Quick Links to 45+ Resource Agencies:

Breast Cancer Community Resources

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Medicare Annual Open Enrollment 2026

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment 2026

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

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Image from www.aarp.com accessed on 13 October 2026

MEDICARE Annual Open Enrollment 2026

     Every year, Medicare has an Open Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7. The changes or selections that are made become active on January 1 of the upcoming year. The options for Medicare can be confusing. Drug Plan? Medicare Advantage Plan? Changes in the health status or needs for yourself or the person you care for may mean that a change in the Medicare options would be helpful. PA MEDI is an agency that is not connected with any insurance plan, that will explain Medicare options for you. The service is free, but an appointment is needed. Rather than insert a link, I will copy and paste the post that was published October 30, 2024. I have confirmed that the links from the 2024 post are still accurate and active.

Medicare: PA MEDI Helps Explain Plans

By Gail K. Kachnycz on 25 October 2024 

     If you are caring for someone with chronic illness, you may be dealing with insurance provided by Medicare. This government health insurance is available to those over 65 years, but in some cases may be available to people under 65. For example, my husband Mike was eligible for Medicare after he had been on long-term disability for two years, even though he was younger than 65 years.

     Open Enrollment, that is, the opportunity to change coverage options, is occurring now. From October 15 through December 7, changes can be made which will be active starting January 1 of the upcoming year. Media advertisements and direct mailings offer a dizzying number of plans. Processing this overwhelming amount of information can be confusing. However, there is help that is not biased or promoting a specific insurance agency or plan.  PA MEDI (Medicare Education and Decision Insight Program) is a statewide service operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging through the state’s Area Agencies on Aging. The program offers free, unbiased, confidential counseling regarding Medicare enrollment and selection of plans. An appointment is needed. The ideal time to contact this organization is three months before a person’s 65 th birthday, when they are first eligible for Medicare. Help during Open Enrollment is also available. Another time when the plan can be changed is after a “qualifying event.” Examples include (but are not limited to) getting married, moving to a new area, or experiencing a shift in employment status.

There are two service providers in Philadelphia:

215-456-7600 Einstein Medical Center (now part of the Jefferson system)

215-545-5728 Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders (CARIE)

There is a Helpline for those who do not live in Philadelphia:

1-800-783-7067 PA MEDI Helpline; toll free, call weekdays 8 AM to 5 PM

     More information is available on the website of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

PCA Home Page

Select “Services,” “Community & Connection,” then “Medicare Help for Older Philadelphians through PA MEDI” or use the direct link:

PA MEDI

 

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SELF CARE: Taking a Sabbath

SELF CARE: Taking a Sabbath

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

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Image: Fortune Cookie Proverb 22 September 2026

SELF CARE: Taking a Sabbath by Gail K. Kachnycz on 22 September 2026

     Those of us who are a "certain age" can remember the sit-com "Get Smart." One of the running lines was Maxwell Smart saying, "Would you believe...." Well, would you believe that I opened a fortune cookie just a few days before my vacation, and the proverb was "A time of renewal and rebirth is in your future." We all have the power to make this a plan, not just a possibility. 

     Taking time out regularly is important for our health in many ways: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. It is part of our make-up as created beings that we need regular time for renewal. On a daily basis, this is why we need to sleep. Once a week, we need a Sabbath, both to spend time in the presence of the Lord to honor and worship Him, and to allow that spiritual connection to refresh us. In Exodus, God instituted the Sabbath in this way:

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11

     Later, Jesus specifically noted that rest and renewal was the intention of the Sabbath: And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27

     As busy caregivers, it is important to give ourselves permission to take time out for self care. Let me share the example of my uncle and aunt. They cared for my aunt's mother in their home, and she lived to be over 100 years old! One morning a week, they hired someone to care for her. They went out together on a "date" for breakfast, and my aunt also took the opportunity to have her hair done. They knew how to care well for the precious mother, but also how to care for themselves, to refill their personal reservoirs so they could return to caregiving with renewed energy.

     Please take time to examine what is important to renew your strength for caregiving. If you can't attend worship in person, is there a service that is available online? What is a simple way to step aside for a moment? Reading, a craft or hobby, or something you can pick up but leave quickly if you are needed? Take advantage of support groups. Here is the link for online connection to support groups in the Philadelphia area. Jean Kirkley was previously featured in the blog.

 A Boomer Hero 4/10/24 

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

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SETTING BOUNDARIES

SETTING BOUNDARIES

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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Images: Teal Ribbon and Light Blue Ribbon from www.freepik.com accessed 22 September 2026

September is Awareness Month for Ovarian Cancer (Teal) and Prostate Cancer (Light Blue)

SETTING BOUNDARIES video by Gianna Cericola is available on YouTube 

     The last post introduced Gianna Cericola as the Ambassador for the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Cancer Society. During her recovery from sarcoma, she made a video for TikToc on the topic of "Setting Boundaries During and After Cancer; Practical Supports and Tips." I do not have a TikTok or Instagram account, but was able to access it on YouTube using this search:

Gianna Cericola Setting Boundaries YouTube Video

     This is a theme shared by caregivers and those with chronic illness. Especially now that the holidays are approaching, there may be expectations for participating in social gatherings of family, friends, co-workers, or other groups. Caregivers and those with chronic illness may need to set limits on their participation. This may mean shortening their time with others, or reducing responsibilities such as cooking or hosting. It may help to explain that a large event may be overwhelming or tiring for someone who is weak or medically fragile, and possibly offer the option of a smaller gathering, individual visit, or phone or video call. 

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