Monday, November 4, 2013

Caregiving

Resources for a Complicated Topic 
Becky Zaseck, President and CEO of REAL Services, Inc.

Caregiving – I don’t presume to be an expert.  But, after working for 28 years in programs and services with our older generations, I have learned a few things.  First and foremost – all of us can expect to feel the impact of this experience called “care giving”.  It is a fact of life that affects every socio-economic group and all ages.  Although most us of do not plan for this role, or discuss the issue with our family or friends, chances are that caregiving will in fact touch our lives.

Secondly – and of more importance, Northern Indiana does have caregiving experts that are knowledgeable, discreet, caring, non-biased, and accessible.

As I noted – I do not presume to be an expert on the topic of Caregiving, but I do know experts and know that Northern Indiana is rich with resources.   I do not know all the solutions to the caregiving puzzle, but I am fortunate to know others that do have answers and can offer help.  The first place to start: 

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at REAL Services.  REAL Services was the pilot for the Aged and Disability Resource Center model for the State of Indiana.  The Aging and Disability Resource Center is available to anyone in Northern Indiana, regardless of age or income. The professionals who work in the ADRC are experts who know all of the community resources, costs of services and the options available to caregivers.  Anyone who contacts the ADRC will speak with an “Options Counselor.” Options Counselors provide nonbiased information and arm caregivers with what is needed to make good decisions.  Option Counselors are prepared to discuss Medicare, Medicaid, Home Care providers, Home Modifications and Repair, Senior Housing Options, Elder Law Attorneys, Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, Support Groups, and more.  REAL Services is a private non-profit agency that exists to serve older adults.  It is not tied to any medical organization or business.  This allows the ADRC staff to be independent in their recommendations.  It is the ONE resource for answers and information about all thing “Aging”. To contact the ADRC, call 574-284-2644 or 1-800-552-7928.

In addition to the ADRC, our community can to turn to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana – there is not a better trained or a more caring group than the staff and volunteers of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana.   In their effort to assist family caregivers, Support Groups are coordinated throughout Northern Indiana. In addition, regular training and education is offered to individuals and groups.  Families and caregivers become better equipped to provide care after learning more about the disease, treatments, and tips.  Adult Day Services are also offered Monday through Friday where specially trained Nursing, Social Service, and Activity professionals care for individuals with a variety of disabilities.  Caregivers from all over Northern Indiana have stated that there is no better resource than Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services.  To contact Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana call 574-232-4121 or 1-888-303-0180.

Our regional Alzheimer’s Services agency is affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA).  This national organization offers information and resources in a variety of effective ways, including its web site.  One particular tool that caregivers may find helpful is the House of Care found at the AFA website:

Our community has services, education, information, and support – options as varied as the needs of each unique caregiver. The best places to learn about these resources are with the experts in the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Northern Indiana – and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana. 

No comments:

Post a Comment