Caregivers find respite at Caregivers Celebration

Day in and day out, caregivers devote themselves to others, sacrificing their own needs and desires to put loved ones first. Long days and nights are dedicated to a spouse dying from cancer, a parent with dementia, a paralyzed sibling, to a child with autism.

Recognizing the need for caregivers to have a time of respite for themselves, the St. Regis Tribe's Office of the Aging Caregivers Program hosted a Caregivers Celebration on Wednesday, December 3rd., from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The red carpet was rolled out for the guests of honor and included a massage, reflexology, breathe easy relaxation, imagery, muscle relaxation, various presentations, crafts, signups for caregiver retreats, as well as information on support groups and classes, and of course, food.

This is the first time such a day has been organized. "We want to raise awareness of how much caregivers do to take care of loved ones," explained Doris Burns, RN/Case Manager for the program. "We also want to reach out to the caregivers to give them resources, respite, support, counseling and how to talk to their families." Ms. Burns and Tewentahawih'tha' Cole, Health Educator, have been trained and certified to teach the course 'Powerful Tools for Caregivers'. This is a six class course taught over six weeks. "We teach it and give the participants a week to absorb the information. It is also a nice support group," added Ms. Burns.

The Caregiver Program has been in existence for about a year and can give a lot of assistance and support to people are taking care of a spouse, relative or friend who is ill, disabled or in need of help with daily life skills. Ms. Cole also brings in other instructors to teach classes such as strength training classes. Franklin Cornell Cooperative Extension does a strength training exercise for seniors. "This helps build strength, balance, and muscle and bone mass," said Ms. Cole. "Caregivers need the strength to move, lift or aid the person they are caring for. I was told by a participant that she was scared of doing it at first but now feels stronger and more confident. That's what I like to hear." Another class is called 'Healthy Living Every Day. This class helps caregivers to change behaviors to increase and incorporate physical activity into daily life. Classes have been done at the Sunrise Apartments for those who can't get out.

Another service the Caregivers Program provides is an Alzheimer screening. Plattsburgh State has an Alzheimer and Dementia Assistance Center that sends a professional to do the screenings. "If anyone is feeling more forgetful than usual or has a small change in mood and/or memory then a screening can be scheduled," explained Ms. Cole. This happens twice a year in the fall and the spring. A score will be given to the participant as well as recommendations, counseling, family education and results to take to one's doctor.

"We have some very talented and creative people like Katie Boots, Activities Coordinator, and Emily Tarbell [Assistant Activities Coordinator] that plan and organize events," said Ms. Burns. Some upcoming events are a trip to Upper Canada Village to the 'Alight at Night' to view the Christmas lights and to have a night out. There is also a Caregivers Conference in Peru, NY in the spring.

The celebration has gone pretty well," stated Ms. Cole. "There could be a lot more caregivers here but I don't think people know what a caregiver is. Also people don't like to ask for help." Ms. Cole had just finished giving a presentation on stress reduction for caregivers. She gave caregivers helpful tips on how to manage stress and helped them come up with a plan to relieve stress. "Caregivers cannot give the best care if they don't take care of themselves."

Louise Ingle and Natalie Gibson were also on hand to provide free reflexology and massages to the caregivers. "Those women are great," commented Henry Laffin. "You have to try the reflexology and massage, it's so nice. Those women [Louise and Natalie] are great at what they do". There are many daily stresses for caregivers and it's important that caregivers get a break for themselves.

"I am so glad that this is happening," said caregiver Christie Horn. "When I first started there was nothing here. I needed help but there were no resources out there". Respite time is critical for a caregiver and the Caregivers Program is available and ready to help. The number to call for more information is (518) 358-2963.