November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month, an initiative led by the Caregiver Action Network.
My husband and I were facing an issue that we had not anticipated. A relative who was living overseas needed to come to the U.S. as he was dealing with serious health issues. He needed a place to live, but was unable to live on his own and his options were very limited. We had an extra room, so we opened our home and over the next year, provided support, love, and care as his health deteriorated over the next 11 months. There were sleepless hours of caregiving, living with only a few hours of sleep, trying to keep up with laundry, work, and the household. Finding strength you didn’t know you had. This is what 53 million U.S. family caregivers experience as they deliver care for those who need extra support to manage their daily living. November has been designated as National Family Caregivers Month by the Caregiver Action Network. If you know a caregiver, ask them if you can bring over a meal, go grocery shopping, give them respite for a few hours. It is so needed and appreciated!
If you are a caregiver, there are some wonderful resources at Region IV Area Agency on Aging:
- Contact information: (800) 654-2810 website: www.areaagencyonaging.org
- Programs and resources that may help you:
- MI Choice Waiver to help individuals stay in their homes
- A new program for Dementia Care using the GUIDE model to provide caregiver support
- Trualta, a web based program providing skill-based training for caregivers
- Integrated Care at Home to help homebound individuals receive care in the home
- Respite care, in-person and virtual support groups, a caregiver newsletter, and more!
We had a delightful time at the Ladies’ Tea on Oct. 21st with the 16 women who attended at the Corewell Health Center for Better Living. We had a pertinent discussion on cancer, especially as it relates to women of color with an emphasis on prevention and special considerations.
Special Thank-You’s to:
- Bernice Mason for welcoming guest and Betsy Kreichauf for making room arrangements
- Jolita Burton starting the event with singing an amazing hymn and prayer
- The Guest speaker was Cassie Tillery, RN, Corewell Health Nurse Navigator
- Long term BCCS Board Member, Allene Smith shared her experience with BCCS services
- Cheryl Wiese, PT, for leading out in chair yoga.
- Nancy Church, RN, discussing BCCS services and how we can help.
Please join us next year!
From the Desk of Nancy Church, RN – October 2024