At August meetings, caregivers to examine resources

The St. Peter's Episcopal Church caregivers support group is using the two meetings in the month of August to identify and update information about the local and state services serving patient and caregivers needs.

At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Joan Hall, the pPresident of the Senior Networking Program will speak to the group. In addition, Susan Haas, program director of the Nevada Rural Counties RSVP Program will join the group to help map out the resources that still are viable for caregivers and their seriously ill or disabled loved-ones.

Fiscal cutbacks have left some caregivers scrambling to find the right medical and legal support services for the person in their care. Linda (JoJo) Armijo, Elder Rights Advocate from the Nevada Department on Aging will speak at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 18 in the Parish Hall at St. Peter's Church located on Division and Telegraph in Carson City.

The caregiver support group chaplain, Rev. Victoria Warren is available each meeting to provide group and individual spiritual counseling and support. The group members meet to share up-to-date information on helpful physicians and other providers that can assist in a better quality of life for the family members or friends that the caregivers are helping. Some caregivers have their loved one at home using respite or home health care options. Other caregivers in the group are utilizing local Assisted Living facilities to house their loved ones with dementia or memory care issues.

The caregivers at St. Peter's understand that to survive as one of the estimated 44 million unpaid caregivers in America, they must get out of their comfort zone and strategize with others so that they can make a clear and effective care plan for their loved one.

For details or more information about care-giving, please call Dr. Deb Cash at 775-887-8846. All meetings are free and all are welcome to attend.