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, November 16, 2007 – November
Is National Family Caregiver Month, an observance created to
pay tribute to the millions of compassionate Americans
who bring love and support to family members and friends who are
chronically ill, elderly or disabled.
According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA),
more than 50 million Americans are recognized during National Family
Caregivers Month, and the estimated value of the services provided
by those caring for loved ones who are frail, chronically ill or
disabled is conservatively estimated to be $306 billion annually.
“These kind individuals give of their hearts, resources, and
energy to assist loved ones in need,” says Irene Spinelli,
director of The Center for Healthy Living at Kimball Medical Center,
which offers caregivers free support and education through a grant
provided by the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
“Kimball Medical Center celebrates the generosity of spirit
and honors those who provide daily care for loved ones, often sacrificing
significantly to ensure that their family members receive the around-the-clock
support that they need. The Center for Healthy Living at Kimball
Medical Center also encourages caregivers to strive for balance
in their own lives and to remember to take care of themselves as
well.”
The Caregivers Support and Education Program is staffed by licensed
clinical social workers with extensive caregiving experience, who
offer both individual and group counseling and support. The free
program helps caregivers learn to take care of themselves with stress
management, coping techniques and hands-on strategies for maintaining
balance in their lives while providing care for their loved one.
Family caregivers provide many different types of emotional, financial,
nursing, social, homemaking and other services on a daily or on
an intermittent basis. While some family caregivers provide ‘round-the-clock
care for loved ones who require assistance for all daily living
activities, others may provide care on a part-time basis. For some
people, family caregiving extends for a few years, while for others
it can extend several or even a lifetime, depending on the circumstance.
“Caregiving can be an overwhelming responsibility,”
Spinelli says. “Caregivers often feel frustrated and stressed
out. They might feel guilty because they feel like they aren't doing
enough, or frustrated that they can't do more.”
The Caregivers Support and Education Program provides a weekly support
group every Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Center for Healthy
Living, located adjacent to Kimball Medical Center at 198 Prospect
Street in Lakewood. Education is provided on stress management,
coping with illness, caring for those with dementia, balancing caregiving
within your family, creating a safe environment, services available
within the community and more.
In addition to the weekly support group, Kimball’s Caregivers
Program provides educational programs to groups and organizations
throughout the community. They also provide individual counseling
and support for those people who prefer one-on-one assistance, and
will even visit caregivers in their homes. The program also offers
referrals to help caregivers navigate today’s complex healthcare
system and learn about available programs and services throughout
the community.
The program is free and available to anyone caring for a relative,
friend or neighbor living in Ocean County who is 60 years of age
or older. They do not need to live in the same household as the
caregiver. Long distance caregivers of Ocean County residents can
also participate in the program via telephone or e-mail.
To learn more about the Caregivers Support and Education Program
at Kimball Medical Center’s Center for Healthy Living,
call 732-730-9112.
CONTACT: Kathleen Horan
Public Relations and Marketing
732-557-3909
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