Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S., and every November, National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country.
Being a family member’s caregiver is work around the clock. Take Sarah, who takes care of her mother, Carolyn. Carolyn suffers from a moderate and advancing case of Alzheimer’s Disease. Sarah reached out to Aging Ahead for help and connected to Alex Burchardt, an Aging Ahead Community Options Specialist who set her and Carolyn up with in-home respite care assistance. “Our aide is great and takes my mom on walks. She really enjoys being outside, and it’s nice to have a break.”
Aging Ahead covers six hours of in-home respite care through a contracted agency for families that need the service. An aide goes to the home and provides supervision and companionship while the caregiver gets a chance to run errands, take a nap, or take time out of the house for themselves.
Being a family caregiver is a full-time job 24/7, and programs like the Family Caregiver Support Program help to provide the caregiver with an opportunity to rest. Alex commented, “The caregiver takes care of the family member, but who takes care of the caregiver?”
If you or someone you know takes care of a family member, you may qualify for help. Please call Aging Ahead 636-207-0847 for assistance.
Support Highlights
- Community Options Support
- Family Caregiver Support
- Program
- In-home Respite Care