Are you a caregiver of a disabled adult? A loved one with dementia? An elderly family member? If so, you have probably experienced caregiver burnout or caregiver stress. Care Connection can help.
The Crawford Senior Center’s Care Connection is an adult day program for adults 18 and over who require supervision. The center offers a safe and enriching environment for participants and provides much needed respite for caregivers. The center is fully licensed by the N.C. Division of Aging. In addition to caring for your loved one, they offer support and invaluable resources.
Caregiver Stress is defined as the emotional, physical, and mental strain experienced by individuals who provide ongoing care for someone with a chronic illness, disability, or age-related condition. Statistics show that 30 percent of caregivers die before the person they are caring for because they neglect their own health. This percentage increases to 70 percent when the caregiver is over the age of 70.
In addition to Care Connection, a Dementia Support Group is offered the first Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the Crawford Senior Center. Additional caregiver resources can be found at www.trualta.com, including online caregiver support groups.
Since April is National Stress Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to focus on yourself.
Caregiver Stress can be prevented and likely reversible. Care Connection affords caregivers the opportunity to set aside time for themselves, time to run errands, go to medical appointments, take an exercise class, or simply get some rest.
Contact the Macon County Community Resource Center at (828)349-0211 or come by the center at 109 Wayah Street to learn more about Care Connection Adult Day Program.