Philanthropy
Caring for the Caregiver
Like the shade cast from trees on a hot summer's day, caregivers offer protection and comfort to those in their care. They do so without thought of their own well-being. They do so out of love and compassion - the likes of which knows no bounds and has no equal.
WHO CARES FOR THE CAREGIVER?
A few years ago, my 87-year-old father John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I was working two jobs at the time, barely making ends meet, and had to quit one in order to care for my father full-time. His chronic health problems had become so bad that I couldn't leave him at home alone. Stress and exhaustion had really taken a toll on me as I considered placing my father in a full-time care facility. I didn't want to institutionalize him, but couldn't handle it on my own anymore. Desperate for help, I did some research and discovered Alzheimer's Family Services Center. Now that my father goes to the center four days a week, I am able to continue working and supporting us. The feeling of relief is indescribable! I have great peace of mind knowing my father is in the best hands with people who truly care about his and my well-being.
Like roots of a beautiful oak tree, caregivers - devoted spouses, parents, and children - are the foundation of America's long-term care system. Every day they help loved ones with a range of activities, from simple household chores, like cooking and cleaning, to complex personal tasks such as bathing, grooming, and moving around the home. Caregivers are lifesavers - monitoring health problems and arranging medical care for loved ones who can no longer express their needs.
National research has shown that caregivers are everywhere and, like leaves on a tree in full bloom, their numbers are growing. Your donations are critical to maintaining the support we provide to caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia.
It is our privilege here at Alzheimer's Family Services Center (AFSC) to witness the incredible love of caregivers. These selfless individuals give until it hurts, often at the detriment of their own health, as long-term stress jeopardizes their physical and emotional well-being.
AFSC provides the supports and services that help alleviate the toll of caregiving. And now you have the opportunity to join AFSC in caring for the caregiver through a financial contribution. Below are many examples of how your gift will make a significant impact.
A gift of $5,000 could:
- Provide 340 Caregivers with Supportive Care Management
- Offset 132 Days of Care*
A gift of $2,500 could:
- Provide 170 Caregivers with Supportive Care Management
- Offset 66 Days of Care*
A gift of $1,000 could:
- Provide 8 Caregiver Support Groups
- Offset 26 Days of Care*
A gift of $500 could:
- Provide 30 Caregivers with Supportive Care Management
- Offset 13 Days of Care*
A gift of $100 could:
- Provide 5 Individuals with Information & Referral Assistance
- Provide 1 Caregiver Support Group
*Cost to provide one day of service is $121. Average fee collected is $83. Gifts received will help bridge the $38 gap to ensure families can continue accessing this much-needed service at an affordable rate.
CAREGIVER SERVICES
Supportive Care Management - Care management support available to every caller at no cost includes information and referral, ad hoc telephone and in-person counseling. As needed, relationship-building home visits may be made to address high-risk situations (e.g., living alone).
Caregiver Support Groups - Caregivers community-wide have access to a free support group session offered twice monthly at AFSC. Support groups represent an important vehicle for caregivers to gain knowledge, skills, and support from their peers as well as a professional leader.
Caregiver Counseling - Short-term counseling provides an Òextra boostÓ when a caregiver needs focused support to develop and implement solutions for problems in care. Individual, family, and couples counseling is available to help address problems such as family conflicts over care, negative emotions, depression, unhealthy caregiving styles, and difficult transitions (e.g., placing a loved one in a full-time care facility).
Caregiver Education & Outreach - Access to accurate knowledge about dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care is critical to caregiver well-being.
Dementia-Specific Adult Day Health Care - AFSC's day services are tailored to the changing needs of persons from the earliest to most advanced stages of dementia. A state-of-the-art, dementia-specific facility with a secure perimeter, a high staff-to-participant ratio, specialized programming, and expertise in dementia care differentiate AFSC from similar centers located elsewhere in the county. Participants benefit from medical, rehabilitative, psychosocial, and nutritional services based on an individualized plan of care within a stimulating recreational program. Caregivers benefit from the respite and peace of mind they receive knowing a loved one is in a safe environment.
UNTIL THERE IS A CURE, THERE IS ALZHEIMER'S FAMILY SERVICES CENTER.
When my husband Frank was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, I was heartbroken as I knew that our lives would never be the same again. In 2007, I discovered AFSC and felt a glimmer of hope that perhaps not all was lost. Frank's dementia eventually progressed, and staff shared that he would often cry out for me, wondering where I was. They worked tirelessly on ways to calm his fears and ease his anxiety, yet I always felt a tinge of guilt dropping him off in the morning. A care manager recommended that I attend a support group to deal with my conflicting emotions. After spending time hearing other caregivers' stories, I realized I wasn't alone and my struggles were completely normal. I began taking Frank to AFSC five days a week, knowing he was in a safe environment with people who only had his best interests in mind. In turn, I was able to get much-needed rest during the day and acquire the coping skills and support to care for Frank at home. AFSC has literally been a lifesaver - for both my husband and me!
If you are not a caregiver, chances are you know one or will be one in the future. Show your support for caregivers by donating to Alzheimer's Family Services Center today.
Send your gift today in the enclosed envelope or go online to www.AFSCenter.org. You can also donate by phone at (714) 593-9630.
Your donation will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve as 78 cents of every dollar raised directly supports our programs.
For more information, contact the development department at (714) 593-9630.
Thank you for supporting Alzheimer's Family Services Center.