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Program offers caregivers knowledge, information
As
the population age 65 and older continues to increase – some experts
predict that those over 65 will represent more than 20 percent of
the population within 20 years – more and more people find
themselves in the role of a caregiver.
Caregivers are people who take care of other adults, often parents
or spouses, or children with special medical needs. Most often
caregivers are family members who shop for food, cook, clean, pay
bills, administer medicine, assist with basic tasks such as going to
the toilet, bathing, dressing and eating. Caregivers also provide
companionship, emotional and sometimes even financial support.
Often, caregivers find themselves facing issues and questions they
may feel unprepared to address or answer.
During the month of May, the Ohio University College of Osteopathic
Medicine’s Department of Geriatric Medicine/Gerontology will offer
its annual Caregiver Series at the Athens Public Library, with
support from the Western Reserve Geriatric Education Center. Besides
OU-COM, sponsors for the series include the Athens Public Library,
the Western Reserve Geriatric Education Center, and the United
States Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
The
annual series addresses concerns and issues faced by caregivers of
all ages and circumstances. Although each caregiver’s circumstance
is unique, most caregivers share one common thread: feeling isolated
or ill-prepared to take on the caregiver role.
This program can help caregivers become more knowledgeable and
connect with others in similar situations. Presentations will be
held each Tuesday evening in May at the Athens Public Library at 30
Home Street in Athens.
Refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. with the hour-long
presentations beginning at 6:15 p.m., followed by more socializing
and refreshments until 7:30 p.m. The series is free and open to the
public. For information about the series, call 593-2266.
Respite care (in-home coverage) is available on a limited basis. For
information about the respite care, contact Brooke Hallowell, Ph.D.,
director of the OU School of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences,
at 593-1356.
This year’s topics and presenters include:
“Ergonomics and Independent Living”
Diana Schwerha, Ph.D.
OU Russ College of Engineering & Technology
(Refreshments provided by Hickory Creek Nursing Center)
“How to Dean with
Disruptive Behavior”
Joan Stroh, L.P.C.C.,
L.S. W.
Private practice
(Refreshments provided
by The Lindley Inn)
“Staying in Motion:
Preventing Falls”
David Russ, Ph.D., P.T.
OU School of Physical
Therapy
(Refreshments provided
by: Kimes Nursing and Rehab Center)
“Prevention of
Complications”
Maureen Clothier, D.O.
OU-COM Department of
Geriatric Medicine
(Refreshments provided
by: Russell Nursing Home)
“Palliative Care: Myths
and Benefits”
Tracy Marx, D.O.
OU-COM Department of
Family Medicine
(Refreshments provided
by: Arcadia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center)
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