Easterseals Helps With Dementia Support

New to caregiving? Or have you been in the role long term? Either way, Easterseals can help! Easterseals has programs to support those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia through a partnership with the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.

For support and guidance, the Easterseals Savvy Caregiver training program can give you the confidence needed to effectively continue. The program is offered statewide through a workshop series but can also be requested for a group training. Through this workshop, not only will you receive the information you need to better care for your loved one, but also have the opportunity to meet others in a similar role.
If you need a break from the constant demand of caregiving, turn to their Lifespan Respite program. It offers funding to help caregivers take a break to rejuvenate and relax. Caregivers can apply online.

In addition, Easterseals also offers legal service vouchers to pay for the cost of a consultation with an approved attorney to discuss issues such as estate planning, power of attorney, Medicaid, or any other concerns related to caring for your loved one.

To get more information on these or any of Easterseals caregiver services, contact 302-221-2076 or by email.  Or visit online.

Easterseals Helps on Your Caregiving Journey

Gabe and his wife, Eve, became caregivers in an instant when Gabe’s 90-year-old mother, Rita, fell at home. They knew there would be adjustments, but soon found that caregiving was not as easy as it sounds, especially with a diagnosis of dementia. Luckily, they found Easterseals caregiver services and a group of other caregivers to assist.

Among the caregiver services Gabe takes advantage of to help him better care for his mother is Easterseals Savvy Caregiver Classes. Since Gabe’s story is a familiar one and one to which others can relate, Easterseals started this series to support and educate caregivers about Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“The Savvy Caregiver classes are important. I went into caregiving naïve and the training gave me a lot of tips,” Gabe says. “Sometimes I get frustrated with my mom for asking the same question repeatedly, but the Savvy Caregiver class taught me how to handle it and also not to overwhelm Mom with too many tasks.”

The series will be offered during the month of May at the Lewes Library. If you or a group can benefit from the Savvy Caregiver series, please contact Easterseals. For more information in Sussex County, contact Christine at 302-253-1129. In New Castle, contact Joyce at 302-221-2076.

“Easterseals caregiver events help me to give my mom a better quality of life. I am not as stressed out because I learned to understand her better. They give me insight into how my mom thinks,” Gabe says. “My advice to other caregivers is to make every opportunity to attend the caregiver classes because they provide a lot of information we did not know before.  I always recommend these classes to other caregivers.” Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and respite services for caregivers.

To learn more about how Easterseals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit online.