Caregivers Support

Who qualifies as being a Caregiver ?

Definition: care·giv·er (kârgvr) noun

Simply put, caregivers can be daughters, wives, husbands, sons, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, partners and friends. While some people receive care from paid caregivers, most rely on unpaid assistance from their family members, friends, and/or neighbors.

Caregivers manage a wide range of responsibilities. In your family, for example, a caregiver is the person who:

In small doses, these jobs are manageable. But having to juggle competing caregiving demands with the demands of your own life on an ongoing basis can be quite a challenge.

With the 65+ age group expected to double to 70 million people by 2030, family caregivers increasingly provide care for aging parents, siblings, and friends, most of whom have one or more chronic conditions, and who wish to remain in their own homes and communities as they age. Others belong to the "sandwich generation," caring for children and parents at the same time.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, or other brain-impairing disorders can be more stressful than caring for someone with a physical impairment. Caring for someone with a cognitive disorder can be a 24/7 job due to the unpredictability of the care recipient's behavior.

Long-distance caregiving is usually defined as care provided by a caregiver living more than an hour away from the care recipient. Caring from a distance is difficult both emotionally and logistically, and is most common in situations where adult children and their parents do not live in the same area. In these cases, the caregiver's role is not as much "hands-on" as it is gathering information about available resources, coordinating services and putting together a "team" of family, friends and paid help that can meet the care recipient's needs.

Caregivers living in rural settings face unique challenges. These include fewer available formal services, fewer physicians and health education services, transportation difficulties, weather problems in winter, geographic distance and isolation.

The United States' great diversity means that families bring their own histories, traditions and rituals to caregiving. In many cultures, there are family expectations about the caregiving roles of adult children. This is especially true in cultures where daughters or daughters-in-law are expected to assume the primary caregiver role for aging parents.

For some people, caregiving occurs gradually over time. For others, it can happen overnight. Caregivers may be full- or part-time; live with their loved one, or provide care from a distance. Caregivers provide a wide range of services, from simple help such as grocery shopping, to complex medical procedures. For the most part, friends, neighbors, and most of all, families, provide without pay the vast majority of healthcare in this country.

It is easy to become overwhelmed as a new caregiver. Here are some steps that can possibly help:

Start with a diagnosis. Learning about a family member's diagnosis helps caregivers understand the disease process and plan ahead realistically.

Talk about finances and healthcare wishes. Having these conversations can be difficult, but completing Durable Powers of Attorney for finances and healthcare can help relieve anxiety and better prepare for the future.

Consider inviting family and close friends to come together and discuss the care needed. If possible, it's helpful to include the care recipient in this meeting. This meeting gives caregivers a chance to say what they need, plan for care and ask others for assistance.

Take advantage of community resources such as Meals on Wheels and adult day programs. These resources help relieve the workload and offer a break. Look for caregiver educational programs that will increase knowledge and confidence.

Find support. The most important thing is for caregivers to not become isolated as they take on more responsibility. Online and in-person groups can be helpful in connecting with others in the same circumstances. Caregivers can call Family Caregiver Alliance at (800) 445-8106 to learn about local services, or visit www.caregiver.org, and click on "Family Care Navigator."

Caregivers Support Group

Kaufman County Senior Citizens Services, Inc. hosts a Caregiver and Alzheimer’s Support Group each month in Terrell, TX for caregivers in Kaufman County.
Date: 2nd Wednesday of Each Month
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: In the Historic Train Depot, 200 S. Virginia, Terrell, TX

Caregivers Support Group, Phone: 972.564.7348

E-mail Jennifer Helms at seniors@cityofforney.org for more information

Caregivers Support Group

Are you looking for someone to talk to—someone who understands what it’s like to deal with Alzheimer's disease? Whether you've just been diagnosed or you're caring for a loved one, joining a support group could be a great way to find people who understand what you're experiencing.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is a full-time job, and you'll need helpful tips and lots of support to give your loved one the best care and protect your own health at the same time.

Here are steps caregivers can take to reduce stress:

• Eat healthily: set limits on high fat and processed foods, caffeine, and too many sugar-laden treats that can increase fatigue.

• Plan Ahead, Organize, Pace Yourself.
  Ask For Help: Don’t wait for others to ask what they can do to help. Instead, ask everyone to pick the tasks from your list that they feel comfortable with.
  Realize that your happiness is what your loved one wants most for you (even if it doesn’t seem like it), and that you do them honor by living a balanced and fulfilled life

  
  Some of the testimonials that have been said about joining a support group are:

Our support group can often offer guidance on:

AND SO MUCH MORE !

Contact Jennifer Helms at 972.564.7348

or e-mail Jennifer at: seniors@cityofforney.org

Jennifer Helms Caregiver Support Group Leader

Forney Senior Center

101 East Main Street, Forney, TX 75126

Caregivers Support Group, Phone: 972.564.7348

Helpful Links for Caregivers

Kaufman County Senior Citizens Services, Inc.

Agency Offices in the Terrell Train Depot

P.O. Box 836

200 S. Virginia

Terrell, TX 75160

Main No.  972.563.1421

Fax:  972.563.1491

 

Information & Assistance Toll Free:  866.758.2111

 

KART Transportation:  972.563.5875, Metro: 972.524.1423

 

Caregivers Support Group: Jennifer Helms 972.564.7348

E-mail Jennifer at seniors@cityofforney.org

or

Phyllis Walker, KCSCSI Director of Aging 972.563.1421

E-mail Phyllis at phyllis@terrelldepot.com

 

 

Our toll free number for assistance is:

866.758.2111

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Copyright © 2010 Kaufman County Senior Citizens Services, Inc.

PO Box 836, 200 S. Virginia, Terrell, TX 75160