Question: I have been taking care of my spouse for some time, but recently we seem to need more help. My kids help when they can, but I am overwhelmed. I do not want to add stress to their life. Where can I turn to get information and maybe help with the care?

Answer: First, I always say Thank You to all Caregivers. You are making the life of someone else better. Then I want to say that is a big question. Those this answer will be a series of answers over the coming weeks. I hope that this will allow us to touch on a number of different ways of getting help and staying successfully where you and your spouse want to live.

We have so many seniors in our community who are able to stay at home through the help of family, friends and neighbors. I also want to reinforce asking for help whenever you feel you need it. For anyone who has provided care for another person, you know how draining it can be at times. It is rewarding, but it can be difficult. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help!

There are many resources in our area. It is simply a matter of looking for the help you need and then letting them help.

The first resource is NY Connects. Chautauqua County NY Connects is staffed by individuals who work with you to find resources and agencies that can help in your situation. This staff does not just have answers for Senior issues, but issues from birth to death. NY Connects # is 753-4582.

Some of the information NY Connects may suggest or talk about are listed here. You can also reach out to these agencies yourself, such as;

¯ Office For the Aging, may have support services or referral services that you could use.

¯ Family Service of Chautauqua Region is also a good resource tool. They may have professionals who can help you through your situation.

¯ Home Care Agencies could provide staff to help you in the home with daily chores. This may give you the extra helping hand you or your family member needs to stay at home.

¯ Programs are available to help with household chores, transportation, shopping and errands. This may help you manage you time and other tasks a little easier.

¯ Adult Day Programs might offer an opportunity for your senior to get out of the home and socialize with others in a supervised setting. This may give you a needed break, but more importantly, it adds “Quality” to their days.

¯ Geriatric Care Managers, Social Workers & Service Coordinators may be useful to you as well. These are professionals can offer objective opinions regarding service options, assessment of the whole situation, resolving family conflicts, and providing piece of mind to long distance caregivers. These Professionals usually specialize in working with seniors and their families to cope with their life situation. Our situations and life choices change as we age and sometimes we need help to get through those issues.

¯ Another resource many individuals reach out to is their church family or church pastor. This group may have help available or ideas on where to turn for alternative services within our community. A church family is an extended family of sorts that is there to help when you need it.

The important thing to remember is that you are doing your best and there is help out there for you. Reach out to get some help and it will make your situation even more successful. Reaching out to help is not a sign of failure, reaching out is a sign of strength. You don’t want your family member to be in need of something when there is a solution out there. I know that as a Caregiver you help others when they are in need. Let someone help you now when you need it.

In the coming weeks, I will be addressing a number of ways you can get the help you need to continue to be successful as you live in your community.

To contact Janell Sluga, GCMC with questions or concerns, please call 720-9797 or e-mail her at janells@lutheran-jamestown.org.