Home health aides took a day away from their cares and pampered themselves last week, spending Tuesday as guests of Carroll Hospice and the Carroll County Health Department at the Agriculture Center in Westminster.
"Care-givers give so much of themselves in the home, we wanted to give them a day away all for themselves," said Dianna Davis, director of adult services for the Health Department. "This is also something they can take back to their jobs."
The care-givers switched roles and eagerly received the attention. They learned relaxing and rejuvenating exercises, stress-reducing massage, skin care and nutrition.
"Treat yourself first," said Judith Langley, customer relations special projects co-ordinator with the Baltimore City Department Social Services. "You can't work everyday and build your self-esteem, if you just pay bills."
Treats could be as simple as a bunch of flowers or as elaborate as an entire day away, Ms. Langley said.
She opened the event with sensitivity training, which she said underscores the need for basic human kindness.
"Remember, our clients at one point were like us," she said. "If you are happy, notify your face. Learn to say the nice things."
Many of those attending the day-long workshops were nursing aides, hospice volunteers and companions to elderly patients. Often, they spend their days housebound, tied to the demands of their patients.
Joan Clenny, an in-home aide, said the workshops taught her how to relax. "If we take care of ourselves, we will take better care of others," Ms. Clenny said.
A positive attitude and courtesy can be infectious, Ms. Langley said.
"Understand yourselves and move that onto your relationships with clients," she said.
After the attitude sessions, the group was off to the pampering part of its day.
During a catered lunch break, Ron and Debbie Zepp sang inspirational songs.
"What a productive afternoon we could all have if we were serenaded
at lunch every day," said Carrie McFadden, a fitness expert who spoke on the role of exercise in a healthy outlook.
"Make exercise a part of your life," she said. "Keep in mind that you are an exerciser."
Chrissy Rhoten gave the women a chance to bend and stretch as she led a brief aerobics routine. The group asked for an encore.
"Exercise gives you more energy and is a great stress reliever," Ms. Rhoten said. "It can make you a happier person."
After an invigorating workout, nothing soothes better than a massage, said masseuse Sandy Cherney, who demonstrated how to "use about 15 minutes and give time back to yourself."
One simple exercise involves walking the fingers across the shoulders and up the neck. Tension often is stored in the shoulder area, she said.
"Your shoulders are not supposed to be up around your ears," Ms. Cherney said.
Mary Krempin, a makeup artist, used Tami Becker as a model and showed the audience how "looking good makes you feel good about yourself."
"What a wonderful activity this is," Ms. Krempin said. "It is your day to play hooky."
While everyone munched on fruit snacks, Darlene Flaherty lectured on how good nutrition leads to a healthy outlook.
Jean Nortrup, a registered nurse with the Health Department, called the day away "inspirational and helpful."
"I feel a little changed," she said. "I definitely picked up pointers and reminders."
Debbie Cunzeman, home-care supervisor for the Carroll County Department of Social Services, said the annual event was a way to thank people who don't get noticed often enough.
"We know these people work hard all year long," said Ms. Cunzeman. "This day shows our appreciation and gives them time they need for themselves."