Show#8 "Caring for the Family Caregiver"
Hosted by Dr. J. Shep Jeffreys
show notes:
•Dr. Jeffreys introduces the question of needs and support for 50 million family caregivers in the US who provide an estimated $257 billion worth of services annually.
Interview: Phyllis Madachy, Director of the Howard County, Maryland Office On Aging discusses the services offered by a regional office on aging and the local, state and national programs in service of older adults.
•Ms. Madachy points out that some of the services for older adults could be offered by other agencies in other regional locations; Health Departments, Social Service Departments; information services (where to find specific help for a family in the community), family needs assessment, respite, training.
•Ms. Madachy cited several resources:
Maryland Point of Contact: (410-313-5980)
National Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 (information about services in any region of the US).
Interview: Valerie Liss, Caregiver Educator, Howard County Office On Aging – Ms. Liss details the typical tasks a family caregiver may be doing when caring for a loved one: feeding, bathing, toileting, moving, transporting to appointments.
•Ms. Liss points out who the family caregiver is and what they need: Typically an adult daughter. Needs include some time off (respite), assist with cooking, shopping, cleaning, laundry. She points out that there are programs which provide funds for respite of the caregiver and that families should check into this with their local agency on aging (not limited to people caring for older adults). She discusses the various types of support groups (Alzheimer's and general) available for family caregivers.
• Dr. Jeffreys points out the need for other family members, neighbors, colleagues, faith community and other friends to be sensitive to the isolation many caregivers feel and not wait for a call but take the initiative to call and offer direct support.
•Dr. Jeffreys points out that there are several other national resources available on the web:
National Family Caregivers Support Project (US Office On Aging)
Family Caregiver Alliance
National Family Caregivers Association
•Ms. Liss also indicated that local (Howard County, Maryland) families can call her for information on the various support groups for family caregivers at 410-313-6060
•Dr. Jeffreys' conclusion and reminder for questions about loss and grief asks listeners to access Griefcast via Yahoo or Apple's iTunes, and make any comments regarding these programs.
Music: "Valley" by Reza Manzoori, magnatune.com