INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICE
The Senior Resource Center provides an information and referral service to assist older adults locate appropriate resources such as housing, living wills, Medicare and Medicaid information, medical equipment, home repairs and other senior services. Services listing.
FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM
Provides respite services for caregivers who are caring for a loved one over 60 years of age. For eligibility requirements contact Gayle Ginsberg at 910-798-6402.
FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
- Meets the third Monday of each month at 1:30pm at the Senior Center
WHO IS A CAREGIVER?
The caregiver of a frail older person may be a spouse, an adult child, a sibling or other close relative or friend. He or she may live in the same household or many miles away. A caregiver’s responsibility for the frail person may entail twenty-four hours, seven days a week assistance, or may be on a much more limited basis.
Some caregivers provide hands-on assistance with the most intimate aspects of care; others assist with transportation, daily chores, meals, etc. Many provide financial support and help to organize the recruitment of people who can provide assistance.
Caregivers provide the physical and emotional support that enables their loved ones to remain in the community for as long as possible. These caregivers provide the majority of care for the frail elderly living in the community who require some assistance with routine tasks of daily living. Nearly 80% of caregivers are women. They dedicate an average of 20 hours each week to their caregiving responsibilities, and even more time when the person has multiple disabilities. Almost one-third of all caregivers are also employed and must balance work and caregiving responsibilities. Although only one in four of all caregivers is over the age of 66, this is the group of caregivers that is providing the most intensive care to a loved one.
RECOGNIZING CAREGIVER STRESS
Caregiving for a loved one can provide personal satisfaction, but it can also be stressful. Stress can be caused by a number of factors. There may be poor communication with the care receiver, leading to misinformation or no information about the loved one’s needs or feelings. There may be growing feelings of concern and despair at witnessing the deteriorating health and increasing dependence of a loved one. Those caregivers who are also juggling the responsibilities of a family or job, may feel their caregiving duties have placed too many demands on their limited time.
HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS
Improve Communication
Learn how to ask for information on your loved one’s needs and recognize the importance of communicating your own needs and feelings. Talk out daily problems as much as possible and do not let frustrations build.
Ask for Help
Identify other family members, friends or agencies who can provide assistance to the care receiver and ask for their help. Ask someone to assume a responsibility that will give you more time to devote to other efforts.
Take Care of Yourself
Try to eat well, get enough sleep and see a doctor when your health needs change.
Make Time for Yourself
Try to take some time away from your responsibilities as often as possible to care for your own needs.
Plan for the Future
It helps to identify programs or services that can be tapped at a later date when the care receiver’s needs may change. Although it is wise to take one day at a time, it is best to be prepared in the event an emergency arises and decisions must be made in a very short period of time.
For more information call 798-6402 to speak with Gayle Ginsberg, who will be pleased to offer all possible assistance.
OPERATION FAN PROGRAM
Provides a fan to persons over 60 years of age during the the summer months.
|