Illinois Department on Aging recognizes National Caregiver Month
IDoA highlights ways to provide relief to
family caregivers
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[November 30, 2018]
As we come to the
close of National Caregiver Month, the Illinois Department on Aging
(IDoA) would like to highlight its Caregiver Support Program, and
the resources available for people who are caring for older
Illinoisans. IDoA would like to remind everyone to keep an eye out
for friends and family who are caregivers and take a moment to
support those who support others.
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The Caregiver Support Program, managed by IDoA in
partnership with the Area Agencies on Aging and local
community-service providers, provide information to family
caregivers about available services, individual counseling, support
groups or caregiver training; assistance in gaining access to
services; as well as supplemental services on a limited basis, to
complement the care provided by family caregivers. All the resources
are meant to provide respite care to a family caregiver.
“Caregivers are truly the superheroes. From managing medications, to
getting to doctor appointments and balancing work and home; the fact
is caregiving is complex, costly, stressful and demanding,” says
IDoA Director, Jean Bohnhoff. “This month is about recognizing,
supporting, and celebrating caregivers. We want to highlight the
resources available to this network of caregivers who have taken on
what is the equivalent of a full-time job to care for their loved
ones.”
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Aug/26/images/ads/current/humanesociety_sda022411.png)
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 5
Illinois adults are caregivers. Of these caregivers, about 16% are
65 years of age or older themselves, and almost 1/3rd provide care
for at least 20 hours per week.
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2018/Nov/29/images/ads/current/brickey_lda_061314.png) Support those who support
others with these tips:
• Checking in - Isolation or
feeling alone is a significant challenge when providing care for
someone. A phone call to a caregiver just to check in, sending a
note, or stopping by for a visit can make a significant difference
and help them feel supported.
• Everyone needs a break -
Volunteer to spend time with the person and allow the caregiver a
chance to run errands, go to their own doctor's appointment,
participate in a support group or engage in an activity that helps
them recharge.
• Holiday help - Support caregivers around the holidays by
offering to help with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping. If a
caregiver has traditionally hosted family celebrations, offer your
home instead.
The use of respite assistance is not a new concept; in Illinois and
across the nation, the use of respite assistance has been a
successful tool to engage the community and allow families time to
take care of themselves so that they can continue to care for their
loved ones.
For more information on the Caregiver Support Program, visit
www.illinois. gov/aging,
and click on the Caregiver Support Program tab.
[Illinois Department on Aging] |