Posted by dreynold on December 02, 2008 | RSS Feed
Extension Program Offers Help to Family Caregivers
“There are an estimated 400,000 caregivers in Alabama who are providing more than $4 billion dollars in unpaid care. Their dedication saves the State of Alabama significant home- and community-based dollar,” says Linda Lamberth, program manager of the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network.
Caregivers are more likely to experience caregiver burnout, which can cause caregivers themselves to become ill or, in some cases, lead to unintended abuse and neglect of those being cared for. Respite care is one home- and community-based service that is designed to take care of the caregiver.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network recently conducted a workshop and lunch and learn session at the Talladega Spring Street Community Recreational Center. The session focused on respite, a service that allows caregivers to take a break from their ongoing caregiving duties.
Lamberth presented information on the need for respite and offered solutions to finding respite care services in Alabama, which include funding from the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama and the Department of Mental Health.
Caregivers of loved ones with disabilities or chronic illnesses also participated in a series of two-day caregiver training workshops offered by ACES in the southeast region.
“The Caring for Caregivers Training programs have been designed to meet the immediate need for education of caregivers with the goal of alleviating the stress associated with the demanding role of caring for an older person or person with a disability,” says Debra Ward, a regional Extension agent in family and child development.
Caregivers received training in food preparation and safety, care of the aging population and management of chronic conditions, such as stress, personal care and health monitoring skills, disaster planning, body mechanics, record keeping and legal issues.
Participants who attended the two-day training have formed local caregiver support groups in eight counties. Ward leads the groups as they meet periodically to gain information on how to continue caring for a family member at home, while remembering to take care of themselves. More than 350 caregivers have attended the two-day workshops and are now involved in the support groups.
“The workshops have been instrumental in reaching families who are involved in full-time care of loved ones at home, and have made a difference in the lives of caregivers. The workshops meet a critical family need that is not being met by the health care sector or covered by any other group” Ward adds.
Source: Debra Ward, Regional Extension Agent, Family and Child Development
(334) 750-1253.
