Nominator Visit
Lauren Mullis Somers, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
As part of developing our program, we invited Lauren to visit the Little Purple House in July 2019.
LPH: What did this trip mean to you?
This trip was so special to me. I visited LPH with my “nominator/social work hat” on, and in turn received my own healing respite. I took this trip with a friend, she had not heard of LPH and works with patients in a different setting. Once we arrived at LPH, we never used a car and spent the weekend relaxing and exploring downtown Wilmington. I was so excited to immerse myself in this program and often thought, what a special gem this house is nestled in all the quaint history of Wilmington.
LPH: Why is it important for caregivers to have time away?
“The job of a caregiver can be hard and exhausting. The only way to keep going is to care for yourself.”
It’s SO important for caregivers to take some time for themselves, some REAL time to reflect, recharge, and have some fun. The job of a caregiver can be hard and exhausting, the only way to keep going is to care for yourself.
LPH: Was the host location an appropriate setting for a respite stay?
Yes, it’s a great setting. I especially appreciated the personal touches made by Kate and Manfred. They had thought of everything you’d need to make the place feel “home-y”. Even the remote control and TV had instructions for how to use! We didn’t need help from the local host, but I think that is a great feature and makes guests feel supported in case something went wrong with the home.
LPH: How do you think this will impact individuals you nominate to stay with us?
I think it will leave them feeling rejuvenated and also make them feel valued and special.
LPH: As a nominator, what does it mean to you professionally and/or personally to be able to offer this experience to your clients?
I love that it gives the opportunity to caregivers that may otherwise never be able to take time for themselves, especially a full weekend. LPH not only provides a free place to retreat but in some ways, it gives permission to those caregivers that it’s okay to take time for themselves. As a nominator, when identifying the right fit for this program, I find it important to encourage caregivers to do this for themselves, often I think they feel it’s not okay to leave their loved one- but it almost always is and it’s so good for them and their loved one.
