Caring for the Caregiver
Support Programs are Critical as Baby
Boomers Age
National statistics indicate
that older caregivers end up in institutional care settings more often
than those for whom they provide care. Caregivers tend to give so much
attention to a chronically ill family member that they end up neglecting
their own physical and psychological health.
Lutheran Social Service is
working to change that. Statewide, LSS operates the Caregiver Support and
Respite Program in 31 counties. Through the program, trained volunteers
give a break to family caregivers by being present in the home and
allowing the caregiver to get out for errands or socialize with friends.
George and Josephine Oberg, of
Duluth, signed up for the program several months ago. Josephine uses a
walker and has trouble with her eyesight. Sue McNeill, caregiver respite
volunteer, comes every Wednesday morning to offer companionship, help with
various tasks, and allow George to attend his weekly Kiwanis meeting and
go to the grocery store.
“We are so thankful for Sue,”
said George. “I am able to get out of the house to tend to errands or
meetings. It’s so nice to know that your wife is in good hands and that
you don’t have to worry about her.”
“Sue reads to me, and helps me
write letters and compose poems,” added Josephine, a 78-year-old retired
teacher. “I really do need a little help. Sue is a godsend.”
Family and informal caregivers
provide 80% of all long-term-care, support and helping to keep caregivers
healthy is critical to Minnesota’s long-term care system, explained Peg
Kirsch Lee, program manager for Lutheran Social Service.
“Caregiving is a labor of
love, but it can be exhausting at times,” said Kirsch Lee. “Our program is
really designed for the caregiver. Everyone needs a break now and then.
But oftentimes, family caregivers don’t recognize themselves as
caregivers, and are not seeking services that are available to make their
job easier.”
Through Lutheran Social
Service’s Caregiver Respite Program:
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LSS screens and trains respite
workers who go into the homes of caregivers and provide non-medical care
to chronically ill family members so the primary caregiver can get some
relief from their pressing responsibilities.
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LSS also facilitates caregiver
discussion groups that meet monthly. In these groups, caregivers learn
from one another, gain strength from each other, and realize that they are
not alone in their enormous task of providing continuous care.
Occasionally, speakers are invited to make a presentation to the group.
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LSS also conducts caregiver
workshops and community presentations to provide information about
caregiver issues, develop partnerships to benefit caregivers, and provide
training for those who are interested in providing care to a chronically
ill person.
