November 2011...a word from Geri Ward, AAA Director

“There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”  Those words attributed to Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady, are so true.  About 44 million Americans provide an estimated 37 billion hours of unpaid, informal care each year for adult family members and friends with illnesses or conditions that prevent them from handling daily activities such as bathing, managing medications, cleaning their homes and preparing meals, and handling their finances.

November is National Family Caregivers Month.  The Middle Georgia Care-Net, through the generous sponsorship of AARP, is presenting “The Encouraged Caregiver, Learning by Heart” on Thursday, November 3, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mulberry United Methodist Church in Macon.   Workshop topics will include caregiver wellness, legal issues affecting the caregiver and care receiver, and hospice care, among others.  For more information or to register, call Beverly Link, the AAA’s Caregiver Specialist, at 478-751-6466.

Family caregivers shoulder tremendous burdens.  Complex care needs, the demands of jobs and other family members, economic pressure, and the physical and emotional demands of long-term caregiving can adversely affect the health and well-being of caregivers.  The Area Agency on Aging has staff available to talk with you about your unique needs as a caregiver.  Please call us at 478-751-6466 or 1-888-548-1456.

November is the traditional time of year when Americans give thanks for our many blessings.  If you are a family caregiver, thank you for your love, caring, and dedication.  Each of you is an unsung hero!