Numerous JFCS programs support family caregivers to allow them to care for themselves
By Roni Falck • Senior Services Program Manager
November is National Family Caregiver Month, a time to honor, celebrate and support family caregivers.
AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving recently released a report highlighting caregiving in the United States; it found that 59 million individuals provide care for an adult with a complex medical condition or disability. Some quick stats:
- The average age of a caregiver is 51 years old
- Over 60% of caregivers are women
- On average, caregivers spend 27 hours per week providing care
If you have picked up a prescription, brought over dinner, given a ride to the doctor, taken care of an errand, or made decisions big or small on behalf of a family member or friend, you are a caregiver. If you aren’t a caregiver, you likely know one.
At JFCS, we offer a number of services to support family caregivers. Our newest program, Dementia Caregiver Connect launched earlier this month – it is a “drop-in” program for caregivers of people living with dementia or experiencing memory loss. JFCS staff facilitate group sessions, provide support, and answer resource-related questions. Participants have an opportunity to spend time with others who understand the joys and challenges of caregiving. The program meets twice a month on Wednesday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. in the JFCS Community Room. Upcoming dates are Nov. 26, Dec. 10, and Jan. 7 and 21.
Family caregivers can also benefit from our Memory Café, which is a gathering for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Café members meet twice per month for activities and socialization in a comfortable, supportive environment. We often say it’s a chance for caregivers and their loved ones to simply have a good day together. Guest facilitators from the community, along with JFCS staff, lead the group in activities, including music, art, movement, reminiscence and conversation.
It’s easy to get lost in caregiving, it can become all consuming. Caregiver self-care tends to fall to the bottom of the priority list, leading to burnout and negative health outcomes. In response, JFCS hosts Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-week class focused on self-care for caregivers. Participants learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, and increase their ability to make tough decisions.
Families are often the first to notice changes in parents and/or spouses, including increased forgetfulness; withdrawal from social activities; decreased confidence or ability in driving; becoming overwhelmed by normal tasks; or other changes. Care Plan Consultation helps families articulate issues and challenges, learn about available resources, and create a plan for maximizing independence – all before a crisis arises and options become more limited.
To all the caregivers out there, know that we see you and all the support you provide. We are here for you. Always.