Council Communicator | November/December 2014

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Council

Council for Older Adults www.growingolder.org

COMMUNICATOR Volume 22, Number 6

November/December 2014

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SUPPORT OTHERS Spotlight shines on caregivers in November Jeff Robinson, Editor Council Communicator You’re probably familiar with the old saying, “What a difference a day makes.” But for roughly 65 million people across the country, a big difference can be made in just a few hours. Those 65 million, according to the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, are caregivers, looking after parents, spouses, friends, and loved ones in what can often be a demanding job. Those millions of caregivers spend an average of 25 hours per week taking care of someone else, so for them, even a few hours of respite can provide a break from daily duties. “Caregiving is very tricky; you’re caring for your spouse, child, or parent, and these are roles that people assume they should be doing because of that family tie,” said Sara Stemen, caregiver program coordinator at the Council for Older Adults. “Much of the care typically ends up falling on the shoulders of one or two people.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 22...

Caregiver of the Year Essay Contest

To celebrate the launch of our newly expanded set of services designed to help support those caring for older adults in our community, the Council for Older Adults is pleased to announce the Delaware County Caregiver of the Year essay contest. Delaware County residents are encouraged to share their stories, experiences, and advice about caring for their older loved ones, or to nominate and share the story of a family caregiver who has inspired them. Essays should not exceed 1,000 words (double spaced) and must be submitted to Sara Stemen, caregiver program coordinator at the Council for Older Adults via email to sara.stemen@growingolder. org or mail to 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015, by Friday, December 5, 2014. Three winners will be selected by a judging panel. The family caregiver associated with the winning essay will receive a wonderful grand prize package (details to follow soon). CONTINUED ON PAGE 5...

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