By Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW,  
CEO of Old Colony Elder Services 

The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has increased significantly in recent years. According to the Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 report presented by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 53 million Americans provided unpaid care in 2020, up by 9.5 million since 2015. The report also showed that 26% of Americans are caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
The caregiver balancing act
Caregivers are often juggling work, family, and caregiving responsibilities. Caregiving is a balancing act, and it is imperative that caregivers take care of themselves. A caregiver’s health is important, and self-care must be a priority. It is not uncommon for caregivers to become overwhelmed and burned out, which can negatively affect their physical and mental health.
There is a support program for caregivers of any age, including grandparents raising their grandchildren. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and individuals living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, offers the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP).
FCSP reassures families that they are not alone and that resources are available to assist them. Caregivers receive one-on-one support with creation of a personalized plan outlining available resources encompassing OCES programs, as well as community resources appropriate to their caregiving situation. Here are some ways that FCSP can help:

  • Refer family caregivers to educational workshops or programs that share techniques to help with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem solving, relaxation, and more.
  • Assist in identifying alternative caregiving options so family caregivers can have respite and prevent burnout.
  • Connect caregivers to in-person and virtual support groups focusing on dementia, cancer, Memory Café, or substance abuse.
  • Enroll caregivers in the OCES Music & Memory program, a personalized, therapeutic music program for individuals with memory impairment. This is offered to family caregivers of adults of any age with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
  • Determine eligibility for one-time financial assistance to the caregiver for respite, camperships for grandchildren, training, and other caregiving-related needs.
    Each caregiver’s situation is unique and complex. OCES’s programs and community partners supply caregivers with the tools to thrive.
    Spotlight on caregivers
    In honor of National Caregiver Month, OCES is putting the spotlight on local caregivers and honoring their commitment to caregiving.
    Throughout November, OCES will celebrate our community’s caregivers who make a tremendous positive impact in the lives of so many others. OCES will highlight caregivers nominated for recognition by family members, friends, associates, and individuals.
    Join us in celebrating caregivers! Read their stories in a special Caregiver Edition of the OCES newsletter available online at ocesma.org/news and on social media at Facebook.com/OCESMA.

Caregivers who would like to learn more about the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES are encouraged to visit ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561.
Source:
National Alliance for Caregiving. (n.d.) Caregiving in the US., www.caregiving.org/research/caregiving-in-the-us/

About the Author: Nicole Long is the Chief Executive Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES). Founded in 1974, OCES is a private, non-profit organization proudly serving greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.