Creating a Global Caregiving Culture with Debbie Howard
November is National Family Caregivers Month and it shines a light on the incredible people who step up whenever they are needed. Caregiving is a selfless job that is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether it’s for a parent, grandparent, spouse, or friend, over 53 million Americans serve as caregivers. It takes a special type of person to be a caregiver and they can often feel isolated and overwhelmed. Luckily, there are people out there who are ready to help and who have channeled their own experiences into resources for others on their caregiving journey.
Debbie Howard is one of those incredible people. Debbie was once a caregiver herself assisting her mother all while running her business in Japan. Since then she has started a website, a newsletter, written a book, and, most recently, started a podcast to help advocate on the part of family caregivers. Debbie serves as a helpful resource to experienced and new caregivers, giving them helpful advice, and being there to change the way the world looks at caregiving.
Last year, we worked with Debbie and caregiving.com on bracelets for the annual National Caregiving Conference. The bracelets combined the organizer’s logo charm with an Aging Matters International branding bead. Over 300 event attendees received the bracelets and were encouraged to use them daily to remind them to take care of themselves as caregivers.
Kay recently spoke with Debbie as part of our Power of Charms podcast and video series. The two chat about Debbie’s experiences, creating a more understanding world when it comes to caregiving, and embracing the circumstances in life that put you on your path.
Watch their discussion below or listen here
The Defining Symbol: The OHM
One thing we love about the Power of Charms is finding out the symbols that define our guests. Debbie Howard’s defining symbol is the popular OHM. The OHM is a sacred sound and is often considered to be the sound of the universe. It is a short mantra that is used to connect and energize the chakras through their vibrations. The OHM is a popular symbol on jewelry as it is related to the sense of calm and connection we attempt to reach through yoga and meditation. To Debbie, the OHM symbolizes the meditation and yoga she utilizes to live a more balanced life and overcome the challenges presented by being a caregiver for her mother.
Looking for a beautiful OHM charm of your own? Shop our Sterling Silver OHM Charm.
10% of net proceeds of our Symbol Charm Line benefit our charity programs.
About Debbie Howard
Debbie Howard founded Aging Matters International (AMI) to help build a global culture of caregiver support with an emphasis on corporate programs to help employee caregivers. Through her own caregiving journey with her mom, she learned the importance of community, reflection, and self-care. Her experience inspired her to launch AIM, write her book (The Caregiving Journey: Information. Guidance. Inspiration.), create an annual 31-day, Easy Self-Care Challenge, a podcast, and this year, a program for corporations to offer their caregiving employees. These projects all support caregivers in navigating their own journeys with greater ease and grace.
After You Listen:
- Read Our Blog About The Caregiving Journey
- Sign Up for her newsletter
- Download Debbie’s book, The Caregiving Journey
- Listen to Debbie’s new podcast: Women Who Care
- Watch Debbie’s TedX Talk
This blog was originally posted on November 17, 2020.
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