Lending a helping hand
Personal loss inspires ‘caregiver program’
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This article was published 26/11/2018 (1976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A local business owner who knows first-hand the time, work and selflessness that can go into being a caregiver is now looking to use his business to allow caregivers an opportunity to take some time to themselves, and have someone take care of them.
Matt Woodmass, the owner of Eauphoric Aqua Massage, lost his first wife Lena to cancer in 2017, and said during the time he was caring for his ailing wife he realized all that can go into being a caregiver.
“I was a caregiver for my wife as she dealing with the later stages of terminal cancer,” Woodmass said. “And as a caregiver you can be busy all the time, so you have to find some way to retain some energy and some focus.
“To take some time to take care of yourself is not a selfish thing at all in that context, you absolutely have to do that or you will burn out.”
Woodmass’ business uses aqua massage machines rather than massage therapists to offer massages to their clients.
“It’s all automated, hands-off massages,” Woodmass said.
The business has now introduced a caregiver program and is looking to offer selected caregivers two free aqua massages.
Woodmass said he wants the program to help caregivers, while also honouring the memory of his late wife.
He added it is an opportunity for caregivers to “spend some time alone and recharge.”
“I know for me personally there were times that I just didn’t feel like talking to anyone,” he said. “It’s so important to have that time solely for yourself.”
Residents who would like to nominate a caregiver under the program are asked to go to the Eauphoric Aqua Massage website, where they can submit nominations.
Woodmass said they will read all the stories and select two caregivers each month who will then receive two free aqua massages that they can use whenever they choose to.
He added there are “no strings attached” as they will not ask selected caregivers to sign up for any further services or offers.
The business will notify the selected caregivers at the end of each month if they have been chosen.