Family Caregiver Month

Written by Estero Bay News

November 21, 2021

November is Family Caregiver Month, a time to recognize the nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States who provide care for an older adult family member or other loved one. Most are “informal” unpaid caregivers and many do not see themselves as “caregivers” because their loved one is in a nursing home, assisted living or other care facility.

The family and friends of people in long-term care are caregivers even though they are not doing daily tasks like bathing or dressing loved ones. Join Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County (LTCO) and the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter to learn how informal caregivers can help get older adults with dementia and other care needs the highest possible quality of life. LTCO and the Alzheimer’s Association are organizing an on-line Family Council open to anyone who has a loved one or family member in a long-term care facility in San Luis Obispo County.

The first Family Council meeting is in January 2022. In the meantime, LTCO and the Alzheimer’s Association will send out tip sheets for family caregivers with suggestions on how they can support their loved ones and care for themselves during the holiday season.
“The family caregiver’s role changes when a loved one moves into a long- term care setting,” said Linda Beck, LTCO staff Ombudsman. “There are different challenges, like helping your loved one adjust to their community and learning to work with staff. The caregiver’s role changes, but it does not end. Family caregivers need information and support wherever their loved one lives.”

To sign up for tip sheets or the Family Council, email ombudsman@ombudsmanslo.org before December 1. Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides residents of care facilities with access to advocacy services, complaint investigation and resolution, facility monitoring visits, and witnessing advanced health care directives.

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