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Anoka County Press Release
For Immediate
Release
Jerry Soma, Division Manager, Anoka County Human Services,
763-422-7008 |
November 5, 2007 |
NOVEMBER PROCLAIMED FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH IN ANOKA COUNTY
Caregivers honored at A Day for Caregivers event
National Family Caregivers Month is a time to thank, support,
educate, and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across
the country. It is also a time to draw attention to the challenges
facing family caregivers and raise awareness about community
programs that support them.
In Anoka County, a couple activities are occurring. The Anoka County
Board of Commissioners has proclaimed November Caregivers Month.
And, the Anoka County Senior Caregiver Network has hosted a special
event for family caregivers who provide care for adults 55 and
older.
A Day for Caregivers was held November 3, at Zion Lutheran Church in
Anoka. Caregivers enjoyed lunch, education sessions and relaxation
activities. Respite care was available on-site, making it possible
for caregivers to attend worry free.
The day was well received, according to Anoka County Commissioner
Rhonda Sivarajah, chair of the county’s human services committee.
“Caregivers focus on their family members’ needs 24 hours, seven
days a week,” Commissioner Sivarajah said. “This is one day when
they can network with other caregivers, learn something new and have
some well earned relaxation.”
The planning group for the event included Zion Lutheran Church,
Senior Issue Network, Elder Vulnerable Adult Task Force, Camilia
Club, Continual Feast Companion Care, Comfort Keepers, RSVP, Home
Instead Senior Care, Faith Community Nurse Program of Mercy & Unity
Hospitals, Anoka County Senior Caregiver Network, and Mary T., Inc.
The Anoka County Senior Caregiver Network Program partners with the
Faith Community Nurse Program of Mercy and Unity Hospitals.
Together, they help caregivers access information, education,
respite, coaching, counseling, and spiritual growth. To volunteer,
host an educational session, make a contribution, or make a referral
to the program, contact Jill at 763-422-6960.
This isn’t just a quality of life issue, according to Anoka County
Board of Commissioners Chair Dennis Berg.
“By helping families take care of their loved ones at home, we’re
saving over $2 million in nursing home costs each year in the
county,” said Commissioner Berg. Nationwide, the value of services
family caregivers provide is estimated to be $257 billion each year.
The senior population of Anoka County is projected to grow nearly
300 percent from 1990 to 2020. The need also will grow for
volunteers in programs that help people stay in there homes.
Volunteers are vital if we are to keep up to the rapid increase in
the senior population and growing demand for in-home supports, said
Commissioners Berg.
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page last updated -
11/07/2007
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