Page 22 - South Whidbey Island 2017 Winter Community Guide_Neat
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www.islandseniors.org
The importance of family caregivers
Family and friends have always “When people make insensitive The Family Caregiver Support
been the primary source of help to remarks or ignore my husband, Program is here to help. FCSP aids
those with long-term care needs. I have to remind myself they are these caregivers through education
Caregivers represent all genders, afraid that it could happen to and guidance using our community’s
ages, and ethnic groups. They are existing supports and services.
wives, husbands, partners, daughters, them.”
sons, neighbors, and friends. The Family Caregiver Support
How do you know if you are Program has expanded.
• It is estimated that family and a family caregiver?
friends are the sole source of assis- We are pleased to announce a
tance for nearly 75 percent of im- • Do you help a family member new addition to our staff. Beth Rahi
paired seniors in the United States. or friend with shopping, transporta- joined Senior Services in September
tion, arranging appointments or fixing as a part-time FCSP Specialist.
• Most family caregivers have little meals?
or no training and minimal support. Caregivers deserve support.
• Do you assist with laundry and
• They often have financial difficul- cleaning, medication management, If you or someone you know is a
ties, lack information on caregiving or making sure the bills are paid on family caregiver, please contact the
skills, and can experience feelings of time? Family Caregiver Support Program
isolation and depression. at 360-321-1600, ext. 2.
• Do you assist with personal care
What is the Family Caregiver needs for a family member or friend Services are available at the South
Support Program? with a debilitating illness? Whidbey Center at Bayview Tues-
day, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30
A program within Information & • Do you worry about someone’s a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Assistance, The Family Caregiver wellbeing while you are away?
Support Program (FCSP) provides All services are free of charge. Do-
support, services, and resources for If you answered yes to any of these, nations are gladly accepted to help
unpaid family caregivers. you are a caregiver! fund our programs.
FCSP recognizes Most individuals do not Feeling stretched as a caregiver?
that each caregiver’s plan on becoming caregiv- We can help.
situation is unique. ers. Learning to manage
In Island county, we both the former relation- We are now offering a quarterly
have designated Fami- ship and the caregiver role class series to support family care-
ly Caregiver Support Specialists avail- can be a major cause of givers! See pages 4 and 6 of this
able to help caregivers find resources, stress. When care needs increase, care- Guide for more details.
coordinate services, and to provide givers may put their own personal or
follow-up support. family needs on the back burner. —Chasity Smith
Family Caregiver Support Director
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