DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 7, 2005 DHSS-84-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS OPEN TO LOCAL FAMILIES
Free program addresses caregiver burnout, practical skills and more
Learning new skills and how to cope with the stress of caring for an elderly relative are key elements of the family caregiver workshops to be presented by CARE Delaware and the Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families.
"Giving Care. Taking Care. A workshop on how to care for an older loved one at home" will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, Nov. 9 and 16 at the Newark Senior Center; Mondays, Oct. 24 and 31 at the Milford Senior Center; and Wednesdays, Oct. 12 and 26 at the Georgetown CHEER Center. The workshops are free and include lunch and resource materials.
The Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families, a faith-based health advocacy, education and services organization, is coordinating the free, two-part workshops to help caregivers learn practical skills as well as how to handle the physical and emotional stress of caregiving. The workshops are funded by CARE Delaware, a program of Delaware's Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD).
The workshops will be presented by Dr. Karen Covey Moore, a pastor and nurse who also has had personal experience caring for family members during terminal illnesses.
The first session will address the problem of caregiver burnout and the importance of self-care, as well as communication, nutrition, resources for caregiving and home safety.
"Caregiving can take both a physical and mental toll on the caregiver. When a caregiver is burnt out, he or she is of little use to the loved one. That's why it's of utmost importance that caregivers seek out support and find ways to reduce stress. These workshops do just that-they offer folks not only a support system of fellow caregivers but also the tools to help alleviate stress," says Dr. Covey Moore.
Topics to be covered in the second session include body mechanics, hygiene, wheelchair use, caring for someone who is bedridden, dealing with incontinence, and medications.
"There are so many resources available to caregivers, but many people don't know where to turn for help. These workshops not only give caregivers valuable information and useful tools, but attendees will also learn how to apply what they learn to real life situations. It is also a wonderful opportunity for participants to meet other people who are facing similar challenges and to build their own network of support with fellow caregivers," said Robert Hall, Executive Director, Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families.
To register for one or both of these free sessions, call the Delaware Ecumenical Council at (302) 225-1040.
For more information about CARE Delaware's services, call the Delaware Helpline at (800) 464-HELP, or visit the DSAAPD website at www.dsaapd.com
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
