Spotlight

Resources for senior caregiving

For those who have just started caregiving or have long-been on their caregiving journey, there are ample resources and support to aid in the experience.

Posted Updated
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By
Abbey Slattery
, WRAL Digital Solutions
This article was written for our sponsor, Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, there are almost 45 million caregivers in the United States — in other words, people who are not paid to assist and take care of someone in need. Many times, these caregivers are spouses, family members, or close friends who are aiding in everything from shopping and cleaning to eating and bathing, depending on the level of caregiving needed.

Caregiving can certainly be rewarding, but it's also demanding. For those new to caregiving — or who have been doing so for years — there are ample resources that can help lighten the load.

"One of the first things that individuals who are going to be caregiving should know is that there are actually resources available. One of the things I hear most often is that people just didn't know there were so many resources available to them," said Camille Koonce, a care coach at Workplace Options. "They often feel like they have to do everything themselves and don't reach out to anyone, but help is available. Whether it is home-delivered meals, transportation modification, or even a home care program, there are so many different resources out there that a lot of caregivers just don't even realize exist."

One resource Koonce recommends for those beginning or struggling with their caregiving journey is specialized caregiving classes. Through these classes, caregivers can learn more about what resources are available to them, as well as more information on how to navigate the process.

In North Carolina, the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging is one of the institutions that provides these helpful classes.

"One of the things that Kerr-Tar AAA does, based on the situation, is help navigate and provide information on what is available," said Koonce. "For example, if seniors are needing transportation to appointments, if they're needing home modifications, if they're wondering what programs are available in the area to help seniors stay safe and independent in their homes for as long as possible — that's all a huge part of what they provide. They help to think outside of the box on what some ways are that we can find some resources for this situation."

Through Kerr-Tar's Family Caregiver Support Program, participants who qualify are provided with information, assistance in gaining access to services, individual counseling, organization of support groups, training and education, respite care and supplemental services.

In addition to the resources provided by Kerr-Tar AAA, caregivers can also find help through places like the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Family Caregiver Alliance and the Caregiver Action Network.

According to Koonce, while the focus has recently been on helping caregivers throughout COVID-19, now that there's an end closer in sight, many organizations and agencies are proposing specific initiatives for minority caregivers.

Additionally, depending on the type of caregiving needed, there are specialized resources and support networks available.

"A lot of times, caregivers don't realize that funding for programs change or waitlists clear up, and financial assistance is limited but there are programs that can help with that," said Koonce. "There are also benefits depending on needs, like individuals who serve in the U.S. military, people with vision impairment or hearing impairment, and people who need prescription assistance. Along with that, there are also programs that provide counseling on Medicare."

Whether caregivers need helping with finances, home care, support groups, or any other resources, organizations like Kerr-Tar AAA can help.

"The best place to start is to make a phone call to a place like Kerr-Tar AAA to figure out what their situation is," said Koonce. "That way, they have somebody who can provide them information, navigate them in the right direction and take some of that burden off of them."

This article was written for our sponsor, Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging.

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