Maybe it’s the way we identify ourselves that tricks us into thinking we’re alone in the journey. We are Robert’s wife, Corrine’s son, Alice’s best friend or Jim’s daughter. When the person we love becomes ill or frail, the relationship simply evolves. We give baths and rides to the doctor. We start paying the bills. That bond is both singular and sacred.
But challenges can mount over time, negatively affecting our health, careers, finances, and parenting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, caregivers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, worse self-reported physical health, and increased early death. Over half of caregivers report that health declines are affecting our ability to provide care to the ones we love.
Perhaps one of the most important ways we can bring a sense of security to our loved ones is to ensure that we are taking care of ourselves. The first step may be recognizing we’re not alone. Connecting with others who face similar joys and trials can not only empower our journey as caregivers, but lead to new levels of fulfillment in the relationships we value most. Click here for a list of VPAS' Caregiver Support programs.
It is also important to recognize that taking care of yourself as a caregiver may include a break and time away from your loved one. VPAS has some Respite Care options that may help:
- Intergenerational Respite Care Program
Through the Intergenerational Respite Care Program (IRCP), VPAS matches pairs of local college students with families caring for an adult age 60 or older in Harrisonburg, Rockingham, Augusta County, and Staunton. IRCP takes place at Bridgewater College and at James Madison University where it is known as the Caregivers Community Network (CCN). Enrolled students provide weekly visits to offer social interaction and cognitive stimulation with the care recipient while the caregiver takes a much needed break. Students in these programs complete training and coursework on best practices that encourage positive rapport with older adults, particularly those who are homebound and who live with cognitive impairments. Here is a YouTube clip that helps explain the program. If you wish to apply please fill out the family application and sent to to Caregiver Outreach Coordinator Kathy Guisewite via e-mail or mail it to VPAS, 975 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
- Respite Vouchers
Respite Vouchers are available to full time family caregivers that are in need of short breaks from their caregiving duties. Caregivers must apply for the service and also must participate in other required VPAS programs. Contact your local VPAS office to inquire.
- Resources to Locate Private Caregivers
All VPAS locations maintain a list of private caregivers that can be shared with families in need of respite care. This information is shared with VPAS by persons interested in doing this sort of work, independent of a home health care agency. Services they provide might include assistance with bathing, ambulation, shopping, light housekeeping and more. VPAS does NOT conduct any background or reference checks, but rather just supplies contact information so that families can reach out and make their own choices. Contact your local VPAS office to inquire.
- Opening Minds Through Art (OMA)
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is a national arts program developed for those living with dementia and other health concerns. Persons with such health concerns, 'the artists', are partnered with volunteers who guide them through the process of creating abstract art. VPAS offers these workshops not only for the artists, but often in tandem with a caregiver support group session. OMA welcomes all skill levels. All materials are provided.
Here is a YouTube video that explains the program as well as a web site for more information.
Visit our Caregiver Support Opportunities page or Contact Caregiver Outreach Coordinator Kathy Guisewite for more information at 540.615.5341.
There are many local and nationally recognized resources available. Here's a link to a short list of some of those resources. Still have lots of questions? Here are some FAQ's that caregivers often ask.
For more information, contact VPAS' Caregiver Support Coordinator Heather Lawrence at 540.383.7006 or heather@vpas.info