To The Editor:
In the Fall 2005 issue of To Your Good Health, A Health Care Newsletter, Sally Okun wrote about the increasing awareness of the role of caregivers in our society. In the year 2000 the Federal Government, through an addition to the Older Americans Act, recognized the important contribution of this group of dedicated citizens by creating the Family Caregiver Support Program. The Program has been established to bring local support to Caregivers through their Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands is the Cape’s provider of this support through the Family Caregiver Support Program.
Cape Cod and Island caregivers can receive assessments of their needs, connection to resources, and, when appropriate, a brief respite from their daily caregiving responsibilities. If the day-to-day commitment to care for a loved one has been a source of concern and it would be helpful to discuss your caregiving role with an experienced outreach counselor, the Family Caregiver Support Program can provide counsel and support.
Program requirements for services to those caring for a spouse, parent, child, loved one or friend are that either caregiver or the recipient of care be over the age of 60. Services provided by the Caregiver Program are free. However, connection to other community resources may involve costs. For more information on caregiver support call Elder Services Information and Referral Department at 508-394-4630, or call and ask to speak with a representative of the Family Caregiver Support Program.
Sincerely,
Bobbie Jordan
Family Support Coordinator
Elder
Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc.
68 Route 134
South Dennis,
MA 02660
508-394-4630, ext. 181
Fax: 508-394-0608
Email:
caregiver@escci.org
To The Editor:
Hi, I was wondering if you are aware of any support groups for anxiety on the Cape. I looked through your publication but didn’t see any.
Thanks for your help.
Name Withheld for Privacy
I would contact NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) Cape Cod, 508-778-4277. They have numerous support groups. If they can’t help you, they can probably steer you in the right direction. Good luck.
The Editor