Challenged By Family Caregiving? Get Information, Resources and Support at AARP Caregivers' Forums

There is a growing and often silent epidemic that is touching more and more North Carolinians everyday – the burdens of family caregiving.  From the financial or time strains it’s taking on people who are balancing the needs of caregiving with work or family, to the health toll it takes from the stress and uncertainty of providing the appropriate amount of care that loved ones need, caregivers often feel alone in their challenges.

If you are someone you know is a caregiver, you are not alone. North Carolina now has an estimated 1.7 million family caregivers who day-in and day-out, support older adults, the disabled and children with special needs. With an influx of older adults to the state, and an aging population, that need is quickly on the rise.

Needless to say, the challenges caregivers face are immense.  That’s why family caregivers will be coming together over the next two weeks at public forums in Eden, Goldsboro and Charlotte. They will be seeking support from one another, hearing from a nationally -renowned author and caregiving expert Lisa Gywther of Duke University’s Family Support Program, and receive information about the resources that can help ease the burden of family caregiving.

People value important services provided through Home and Community Based Care Block Grants. These programs are helping caregivers through home-delivered meals, transportation, adult day-care, in-home care, and much more. In addition to the regional resources, there are state and federal programs that also provide some relief. It is important that busy family caregivers know what resources are available and how they can access them.

However, with the elderly population expected to double over the next 25 years and already-existing waiting lists for these programs, AARP is concerned about meeting the growing demand for its services while constantly looking for opportunities to support unmet needs.  That is one reason why AARP and family caregivers from across the state are calling for continued support for these important programs and services.

If you are a caregiver, you won’t want to miss these forums. They are free, but registration is required by calling 1-877-926-8300.

April 29th, 1-4 pm

Peggy M. Seegars Senior Center

2001 E. Ash Street

Goldsboro, North Carolina 27530

 

May 1, 1:00-4:00 pm

The LEAF Center (Fellowship Hall)

211 N. Oakland Avenue

Eden, North Carolina 27288

 

May 5, 1:00-4:00 pm

Tyvola Senior Center

2225 Tyvola Road

Charlotte, NC 28210