Dear
Editor,
I
recently held a “Caregiver Conversation” in Wells and I’m hoping that others in
Maine may wish to do the same. More than a caregiver support group (although we
did touch on some of our shared experiences) these conversations help to raise
awareness about the needs of caregivers and start to examine the supports and
services caregivers need in their own communities.
There
are currently 178,000 family caregivers in the State of Maine who take care of
a loved one every day. These unsung heroes make daily sacrifices as they juggle
multiple roles and responsibilities. Many of the caregivers we hear from report
feeling overwhelmed. We want to work with family caregivers across Maine to
ensure that the supports needed to care both for their loved one and for
themselves are in place.
I
worked with AARP Maine to organize my small event of about a dozen people. I
hope others will send a note to me@aarp.org to organize a
Caregiver Conversation of their own. Together, we hope to bring voice to the
challenges of family caregivers and start to draft a plan to effectively
address them.
AARP
Maine also has a new resource available for family caregivers called a
Caregiver Resource Guide. No matter where you are in the continuum
of caregiving—starting to plan, helping to coordinate a big move, or
taking care of a family member in your home—having resources at
your fingertips will make the process easier. You can order this free
guide at me@aarp.org.
Amy
Madge
AARP
Maine Volunteer
Wells
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