Are you caring for a loved one?

"There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers". - Rosalyn Carter

Simply put, a caregiver is someone who provides support and care to a person who is chronically ill or disabled and is not able to care for themselves. You are the wife, husband, daughter-in-law, sister, brother, child, or friend who saw a family member in need of care, and without evening thinking, became their caregiver.

While caring for your loved one there are many things to consider. For starters, remembering the importance of respite to avoid burnout is of great value. There are several supportive home care agencies and assisted living facilities that may be of help. Many of you are understandably fearful of leaving your loved one. But, there are ways to reduce some of those fears by creating a safe environment for your loved one to thrive. With additional equipment or slight home modifications, it would be an added support to keep or regain a sense of independence for him or her. Other things to consider are tips to managing medications and having a personal emergency response device for added security. Last but certainly not least, joining or connecting with a support group will provide continual caregiver support.

Senior Center without Walls offers Social Opportunities

Feeling the effect of social distancing? Don’t be lonely! KAFASI’s Senior Center Without Walls (SCWOW) program lets you chat with other seniors on fun group telephone calls. Join them for any of the weekly calls below.

Tuesday – 2:00 pm Friendship Circle
Wednesday – 2:00 pm Mindful Movement
Thursday – 11:00 am Guided Meditation
Sunday – 4:00 pm Sunday with Sally

To join dial 1-877-216-1555, enter pass code 669393#.

Powerful Tools for the Caregiver

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a 6-week educational series designed by Stanford University, available in 36 states. Class participants will develop a wealth of self-care tools to:

• Reduce personal stress
• Improve self-confidence
• Communicate more effectively in challenging situations
• Find balance in your live
• Deal with difficult feelings
• Make tough caregiving decisions.

Caregivers will benefit whether helping a parent, spouse, friend, or someone who lives at home, in a nursing home or across the country.

Classes are offered throughout the year; pre-registration is required. For a schedule and/or registration, contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center, 262-605-6646 or 1-800-472-8008 or select the red button.

Savvy Caregiver

This bold and innovative program is designed specifically for family caregivers of persons living with dementia.

The Savvy Caregiver Training Program provides over twelve hours of face-to-face training with dementia experts, a caregiver manual and access to additional online caregiving tools. The participant will gain:

• Knowledge to manage activities of daily living
• Skills to assess the abilities of your family member and adjust your approach as needed
• Confidence to set and achieve caregiving goals

For more information and to register, call Susan Johnson at 262-605-6602.

Family/Caregiver Support Groups

Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease? Does someone you love have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia?

There are support groups for caregivers and family members, and a recently added men’s group held in Racine County. Learn more...

EZ ID

EZ ID is a valuable safety tool, not only for children but for anyone. The flash drive contains:

• Streaming video
• Digital voiceprint
• Digital photograph
• Full set of digitally scanned fingerprints
• General physical information

Private and sensitive data are encrypted and accessible only to law enforcement. The Volunteer Center of Racine offers the program year-round and encourages all parents and guardians to enroll their family members who may benefit. To enroll, check their website for upcoming event locations or contact the Volunteer Center of Racine at 262-886-9612.

Additional Caregiver Resources:

AARP Caregiver Resource Center
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Center
Ask Medicare
Connecting Caregivers
Family Caregiver Alliance
Caregiver Teleconnection
The Organized Caregiver
Today’s Caregiver (For Caregivers about Caregivers)
Wisconsin Caregiver

National Caregiving Blogs: 
Caring for You as You Care for Family and Friends
The Caregiver’s Voice