One in four Americans will become a caregiver at some time in their lives, and with the rising number of “baby boomers” reaching age 65; caring for a loved one can become a tedious and overwhelming task.
The demands of caregiving can be extremely stressful, especially if you feel you have little control over the situation, or you are the only one that is handling the responsibility. Identifying community resources, knowing one’s limits and finding help from others are key elements that may help minimize the stress. Every situation is unique and for some, caregiving is a family affair.
Two-thirds of caregivers are employed full or part-time. Others are spouses of loved ones that are with them 24 hours a day. The need to “care for the caregiver” is perhaps one of the most critical lessons one will learn, when becoming a caregiver.
Senior Friendship Centers’ Adult Day Services program (The Living Room) enables individuals to come to a safe, secure and comfortable environment with trained hands that have knowledge of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Adult Day Services can provide the caregiver with needed breaks during the week and, provide their loved one with peer socialization and stimulating activities that may help with independence; lessening the need for a nursing home.
Beginning in June, Senior Friendship Centers will provide an Education and Training Group at its administrative offices located at 5272 Summerlin Commons Way, Suite 604 on the first Tuesday of every month. The first session will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m.
The program is free of charge and serves as an informational resource to learn more about cognitive diseases and memory disorders. Monica Dunkley, RN BC from Lee Memorial Hospital will provide helpful hints about things caregivers can do to help make their lives a little easier.
This training is provided by Senior Friendship Centers to give caregivers a forum where they can learn new techniques and, support one another while their loved one is being cared for at the center. Refreshments will be served and a complimentary gift will be given to new caregivers attending the program.
Caregivers who do not have their loved one currently enrolled in an Adult Day Services program, can contact Lisa Gates, Adult Day Services Director at (239) 275-1881 to make arrangements for their loved ones to be cared for, while attending the meeting.
Reservations are not necessary to attend the meetings, but are appreciated. Additional information can be given by calling Lisa Gates at (239) 275-1881.