Caregiver Help
A Support Service for Caregivers of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities
As a caregiver, you play an essential role in assuring the well-being of your aging loved one. To help you shoulder your responsibility, SCS offers compassionate, individualized support through three programs:
Caregiver Academy – Sponsored by Delaware County Link/ADRC
When SCS created the Caregiver Academy six years ago, it was the first program of its kind in the country to provide caregivers with resources to improve their skills and bolster their confidence in caregiving. By providing onsite respite care for care receivers, the Caregiver Academy provides caregivers with peace of mind that makes it possible for them to get the greatest possible benefit from the knowledgeable speakers and content experts that program director Debbie Templeton engages as guest lecturers.
The 2019 Caregiver Academy will take place at Schoolhouse Center (600 Swarthmore Ave., Folsom, PA 19033) every other Thursday from 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M., beginning April 4, 2019 and continuing through June 13, 2019. Dates, topics and presenters are listed below:
Sessions will begin promptly at 4:00 – 5:30 PM on the following dates and address the following topics:
- April 4, 2019 – Age-Related Issues – Katarzyna (Katherine) Calderon, CRNP, MSN will speak about driving, vision and hearing loss, incontinence care, and medication management, among other issues.
- April 18, 2019 – Taking the Guesswork Out of Future Planning – Daniel P. Massaro, MSW, LCSW and Trish Garrity-Marchesani will speak about advance planning for medical care, end of life decision-making and burial issues.
- May 2, 2019 – Developing Support Systems – Sharon White, MSS, LCSW will address the importance of effective communication. As caregivers, effective communication with other members involved in the care of a loved one is critical. White will discuss tips to better communicate, both internally to family members and care receivers, as well as externally with health care professionals and medical care teams.
- May 16, 2019 – Memory Loss: What is Normal? – Barbara Hewitt, RN, BSN will discuss the difference between “normal” changes in memory and memory loss associated with a dementia or other related disorder.
- May 30, 2019 – Elder Abuse: Identifying and Preventing the Five Types of Elder Abuse – Annie McAlpin, MS and Denise Gallagher will provide caregivers with tips and strategies to identify and handle potential “scam” situations such as fraud, identity theft, email/social media scams, and other common situations in order to help caregivers protect themselves and their loved ones.
- June 13, 2019 – Relaxation Techniques – Cheryl Macklin, PhD will help participants learn relaxation and stress-busting techniques to promote inner peace. Dr. Macklin, an experienced psychologist and coach, will teach breathing techniques, meditation, mindfulness, and other creative ways to remain calm and know peace in the midst of the inevitable storms that occur in caregiving.
Online Registration is now available for this program. You may also register by contacting Kim McDaniel, Director of Schoolhouse Center, at 610-237-8100 ext. 30 or kmcdaniel@scs-delco.org
Counseling for Caregivers - C4C
The licensed professionals at Counseling For Caregivers (C4C) provide expert, compassionate guidance for caregivers. For 40 years, we have helped older adults and their families navigate the often overwhelming process of ensuring consumers get the services they need and that caregivers get the support and counseling they need to maintain the health, happiness, and independence of their loved ones. Our compassionate approach respects that caregiving is rewarding but that it can also be stressful and full of unexpected moments. Let our experience guide, prepare, and support you.
Please contact Diana Twisler at (484) 540 0372 or send an email to counselingforcaregivers@scs-delco.org.
On the web: http://www.scsdelco.org/programs/counseling-for-caregivers.shtml
Caregiver Support Program
This public program provides financial reimbursement (for caregiving supplies, support services, and home adaptations), resources, and caregiving counseling. This program is paid for by state and federal dollars for those who qualify. For more information on the Caregiver Support Program, please contact Diana Twisler at (484) 540 0372 or visit http://www.scsdelco.org/programs/counseling-for-caregivers.shtml
Senior Community Services (SCS) is an Associate Member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
