Becky Zinn-Caulfield, MSW, LICSW
Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness
Edina, Minnesota
Celebrating Social Workers, Senior Style
March is Social Work month. It has me wondering if it was chosen to align with “March Madness”. After all, when certain areas of life are creating a bit of madness you will usually find a social worker helping make it all manageable.
Becky Zinn-Caulfield is a great example of these special professionals that apply their skills and values to help others navigate the rough straits of life. In Becky’s case it is in the service of seniors, their families and caregivers navigating the process of aging.
Saint Paul Minnesota To Denver, And Back Again
Though Becky’s life mostly was in Colorado, coming back to the Twin Cities in 2016 was poetic. It was Saint Paul where both her parents and she are originally from. It was her father’s work that took them out west when she was little and it was her husband’s work that brought them back when her kids were little.
Serving Seniors Came By Evolution
After graduate school at the University of Denver Becky began her career in a level 1 trauma center. She loved her work, and it took her through nearly every department of the hospital over the course of 20 years. As she put in more years in the ICU, palliative care became a clear area of interest.
Change Is The Only Constant
When Becky’s husband’s job brought them to the Twin Cities in 2016 it was time for some reflection. After a few years of settling in and tending their kids’ schooling Becky decided to return to professional work in hospice. In the past four years she found a new interest in caregiving. When that company changed hands, Becky started searching and discovered Normandale Center was looking for a part time social worker.
Care Giving and Care Receiving
“Seeing and balancing the importance of care giving and care receiving is fulfilling” Becky said. “After the restrictions on personal contact during the pandemic it is all the more rewarding now to directly serve clients, caregivers and families” she added. After having watched her own grandparents live through dementia, she also finds the memory cafes and caregiver support groups particularly satisfying. Becky paused, “I hear from clients more than any other job “Thank you for all that you are doing.” It makes this job that much more rewarding.”
A Variety of Programming and Services
Normandale Center for Healing and Wellness is approaching its 25th Anniversary next year as its own 501(c)(3). In that time, they have developed a solid program of services to support older adults, their family, friends and care givers. “The attendance of the Saturday in-person support groups has continued growing in recent months to the point that added sessions are being arranged.” Becky explained. Additionally, there are memory cafés for those living with cognitive decline and their care givers.
Caregiving Meets Skills Building
The workshops offered are all evidenced based and track outcomes to verify effectiveness. The benefits of helping set “want to” goals and realizing levels of empowerment in the midst of caregiving is valuable. “With those experiencing cognitive decline it is also powerful for caregivers to learn how to keep seeing and enjoying the whole person, rather than just the deficits.” Becky stressed. “One of our clients, a 90 year old gentleman, was a skilled woodworker. And despite the usual deficits he could still create beautiful works. That was thrilling to see continue and to celebrate!” Becky smiled.