Assisting Seniors Through Enhanced Resources

By Robbyn BATTLES

Did you know November is National Family Caregivers month? An excerpt from the presidential proclamation reads, “Family caregivers have an immeasurable impact on the lives of those they assist, but their hours are long and their work is hard. Many put their own lives on hold to lift up someone close to them.”

This month ASTER would also like to recognize all family caregivers. If you are a family caregiver, take time this month to recognize the importance of what you are doing and sneak a moment just for yourself and celebrate who you are.

There are more than 50 million family caregivers in the United States. Family caregivers provide care to family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. According to the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), family caregivers provide “80% of our nation’s long-term-care services. Currently, family caregivers provide over $306 billion annually on ‘free caregiving services’ to their loved ones.”

There are several organizations ASTER feels are helpful if you are a caregiver. These sites have many valuable resources: Leezas Place.org is a community gathering place and resource center providing free support services and programs for family caregivers. The Caregiver Action.org is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization providing education, peer support and resources to family caregivers across the country. StrengthforCaring.com has a special section about caring for yourself, the caregiver, as well as how to care for a loved from afar.

Please come join ASTER on Nov. 20 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital fourth floor for another great event: Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and their caregivers. There will be refreshments and giveaways.

Need more information? Ask ASTER or visit the ASTER website TheASTER.org or call (818) 306-5224.

Robbyn Battles is president of ASTER.

  Robbyn Battles