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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information “The Principles and Practice of Caregiving,” home health training for caregivers
By Bea Cowlin
The number of family caregivers is increasing at a phenomenal rate. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 8.9 million caregivers care for someone age 50 or over with dementia. Another 4.8 to 7 million individuals provide care to persons aged 65 or older who need assistance with everyday activities. According to the March 2006 Older Americans Report, the percentage of the U.S. population age 65 and older is expected to double in size within the next 25 years. In 2004, the prevalence and estimated economic value of family caregiving in Massachusetts was 650,636 caregivers providing 660 million caregiving hours/year at an annual market value of $6.5 million dollars.
In conjunction with Elder Services, the Lee Visiting Nurse Association is sponsoring a training for family caregivers each Monday in June. Titled, “The Principles and Practice of Caregiving – A Home Health Training for Family Caregivers,” these four free trainings are designed to assist caregivers who may be caring for loved ones at home. The sessions will take place 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield. The series will be facilitated by Joan Lane, RN, from Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association, with guest speakers for each discipline.
On Monday, June 2, Licensed Nutritionist Jan Phillips will discuss “Nutrition and Meal Planning.” including basic nutrition, meal planning for weight control, lowering cholesterol, and diabetic basics.
On Monday June 9, the topic will be “Physical and Occupational Therapy.” Roberta Weiss, Physical Therapist and Coordinator of the Rehab Department for the Lee VNA, will provide overviews of both disciplines, and discuss the importance of implementing what is learned in these therapies. This session will also include suggested simple modifi- cations in ones home to insure safety of the care recipient.
On Monday, June 16, Joan Lane, RN, will discuss, “Basic Personal Care and Medications,” including how to give a bed bath as well as safety hints in the shower and bath. Lane will explain medication basics: how to administer medications, how to assess interactions with different medications, and the importance of following the doctor’s orders.
On Monday, June 23, The final session on Monday, June 23, “Infection Control in the Home,” will feature Wendy Tryon, RN, Community Health Nurse, who will provide information on good health practices to help prevent the spread of disease, and educate caregivers on how to protect their own health and that of other family members.
The Family Caregiver Support Program at Elder Services is dedicated to providing caregivers with information and support. The program offers individual and group services as well as trainings and programs at no cost. For further information about the Family Caregiver Support Program, call Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
Bea Cowlin, LSW, is Elder Services Caregiver Coordinator