Area Agency on Aging will celebrate caregivers' month

The Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging will celebrate one of its newest programs, the Family Care Giver Support Program, in November as part of National Family Caregivers Month.

"Our organization is pleased to have this opportunity to formally recognize and celebrate the valuable role they play," said Kathy Bullis, family care giver program coordinator.

The Area Agency on Aging established its support program in August 2001, with services actually beginning in the following month. Just over 1,000 people participated in the program during its first year. The agency and caregiver support program both cover 18 counties in Southeast Missouri.

The agency provides many programs that offer support and assistance to senior citizens. The caregiver program offers support to unpaid caregivers of any age caring for seniors age 60 or over at home. It also provides support groups, limited assistance with supplies, limited respite care assistance, counseling, and information and assistance for caregivers.

"We found the need is far greater than the grant, as usual," Bullis said. "We found so many really cool caregivers out there."

According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), more than 50 million people provide some level of caregiving service in any given year. More than 25 million people provide the equivalent of a half-time job in caring for a loved one.

"This year's goal for NFC Month is to move from awareness to action," said Suzanne Mintz, NFCA president and co-founder. "This year we are encouraging people to literally reach out and help family caregivers to improve their quality of life. There are so many ways to help, such as preparing a meal or providing a ride to church."

To learn more about the Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging or the NFCA, contact Kathy Bullis at (800) 392-8771, 335-3331 or kbullis@semoaaa.org.

The National Family Caregivers Association may be reached at (800) 896-3650 or www.nfcacares.org.