Taking Care of You . . . Powerful Tools for Caregiving
This program is designed to aid those who care for an older adults. You are a caregiver when an older adult relies on you to provide unpaid help with day-to-day activities. The older adult may live in your own home, across town or in another state. Research shows that caregivers are at high risk for depression and stress-related illnesses. To help minimize these risks, this program is being offered to give caregivers the skills they need to take care of themselves and to feel more confident in the care they provide.
""Powerful Tools for Caregiving," offered by the Boone County Council on Aging and University of Illinois Extension, is free of charge and is made possible by a generous grant from the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. All printed materials and a light dinner are included. Respite care to the care recipient can also be arranged at no cost.
"Taking Care of You...Powerful Tools for Caregiving" is designed to aid those who care for an older adult. You are a caregiver when an older adult relies on you to provide unpaid help with day-to-day activities. The older adult may live in your own home, across town or in another state. Research shows that caregivers are at high risk for depression and stress-related illnesses. To help minimize these risks, this program is being offered to give caregivers the skills they need to take care of themselves and to feel more confident in the care they provide.
The next Powerful Tools for Caregivers Session will be held in Summer, 2006. Call the Keen Age Center at 815-544-9893 for date and time.
The sessions will be held at the Boone County Council on Aging, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere, IL. For more information, please call Mindy at 815-544-9893.
Caregiver Support Program
BCCA Caregiver Support Program provides assistance to family and friends who are caring for an older adult. A Caregiver can be an adult family member or another individual who provides unpaid help with day-to-day activities for someone age 60 years or older. The caregiver is eligible for services regardless of where the senior lives. The senior could be living in your own home, living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or could even be living in another state.
In addition, grandparents and older adults raising grandchildren / children are also eligible for services under the Caregiver Support Program.
The five basic services offered to caregivers include:
- Information to caregivers about available services
- Assistance to caregivers in gaining access to services
- Individual counseling, support groups, and caregiver training
- Respite care to enable caregivers to be temporarily relieved from their caregiving responsibilities; and
- Supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers. Supplemental services can include assistive devices, home modification, legal assistance, school supplies, and any other gap billing service which attempts to address a short-term caregiver emergency.
The Boone County Council On Aging is one of the first resources a caregiver should contact when help is needed. Contact the BCCA at 815-544-9893 for more information.
Are You a Caregiver?
- Does a parent or aging relative live in your home?
- Do you provide for your spouse or someone who is ill or disabled?
- Do you assist in household chores, running errands, or food preparation for a loved one not living with you?
- Does your spouse or other loved one suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia?
- Are you helping to coordinate help for a parent or loved one who is ill or injured and living in another state?
- Has your spouse, parent or loved one been in and out of the hospital or nursing home lately because of illness or injury?
- Do you take time away from work or your family to help an ill or disabled friend or family member?
- Are you caring for a child, related to you, due to neglect, abuse or abandonment?
If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then you are likely a Caregiver!
Are you feeling overwhelmed, no time for yourself?
Do you have anyone to talk to?You are NOT alone!
The BCCA may have some solutions for you.
Immediate Suggestions for CareGivers
The following are tips designed to help you as you undertake the responsibilities of being a Caregiver:
- Don't try to handle it alone. Accept help from those who offer assistance.
- Keep in mind your care recipient's wishes. If appropriate, ask for his or her input and ideas.
- Join a support group. Knowing that you are not alone is helpful to many caregivers.
- Allow yourself to take regular breaks. Enlist the help of other family members and community organizations to provide services such as adult day care, home-delivered meals, or errand running.
- Learn more about your loved one's disease or condition. Understanding the reasons behind their changes can help you provide the best care possible.
- Do not feel guilty about treating yourself to hobbies and activities you enjoy. In order to provide the best care for the care recipient, you must take care of yourself and your needs.
- Don't delay getting professional help to cope with feeling of depression, anger and anxiety. These feelings are common among caregivers, but can impede your ability to care for your loved one.
The Boone County Council on Aging has many videos and books on all aspects of caregiving. These videos and books can be looked over and checked out. You may contact the Outreach Department - Mindy, Janet or Dorothy at 815-544-9893 to arrange for an appointment.
Click here for specific information for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
Services available for Caregivers through BCCA:
- Certified Caregiver Resources Center
- Respite Care (services that give caregivers a rest)
- Support Groups
- Legal & Financial Services Referral
- Training, Information, and Emotional Support
- Public Transportation
- In-Home Care
- Nutrition Programs
- Keen Age Center Programs
- Information and Assistance
- Pharmaceutical Assistance
- Adult Day Care Referral
- Caregivers are provided with workshops, presentations and information regarding issues and concerns of caring for an older adult. In addition, a Caregivers Training and Education Support Group is offered on a monthly basis.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO ASK FOR HELP! To find out more about services, support groups, and programs in your community, call the Boone County Council on Aging at (815) 544-9893 (Voice and TDD)
or Call the IL Dept. on Aging Senior Helpline at
1-800-252-8966
www.state.il.us/aging
Caregiver Education and Training Support Group /
Alzheimers & Related Dementias Support Group
Each month the Boone County Council on Aging, Keen Age Center, holds a Caregiver's Training and Education Support Group / Alzheimers & Related Dementias Support Group. This group is open to anyone caring for another person. By sharing common experiences, the members lend support to each other which helps them to feel that they are not alone. Also training and information on topics pertinent to caregiving will be presented.
Come join the group to learn the skills necessary to provide care, to accept the fact that you cannot do it alone and to be aware of the need to take care of yourself while you are a caregiver.
If you have questions or would like to come to the group, please call 815-544-9893.