Caregiver forum gives support tips

A free caregiver forum was held at Xavier Hall of St. Frances Cabrini on Oct. 21 and it presented local help information, new tips and some personal testimonials by professional representatives and some local caregivers.

Following refreshments, audience members gathered free take-home pamphlets, newsletters, and other printouts of where to find help for all seniors, family aid, and related legal and financial assistance.

The forum addressed concerns of caregivers, presenting a spectrum of speakers and affordable or free help for seniors and their personal and home needs. For example, did you know that if you have a loved one with dementia, you can get a free ID tag to help locate "the wandering one?" The ID bracelet or pendant is tagged to the sheriff's office computer data base for quick help and rescue in concert with the Alzheimer's Family Organization.

HPH Hospice community relations coordinator Janet Clymer welcomed and thanked the host church, audience and speakers. Speakers included Jeff Whitley, of Elder Options, Florida Department of Elder Affairs; Linda Gray of Mid-Florida Community Services; John Greco, a marketing director for Alzheimer's Family Organization; Marie Monahan of Catholic Charities; Karen Bowman of HPH Hospice and HPH Home Health; and Wendy Hall, also of Hospice.

A caregiver testimonial was given by Helene Johnson, whose beloved husband - now deceased - had been her "36-hour-a-day" concern until she found local daycare help and caregiver support from Catholic Charity on Kass Circle, "Truly a godsend," she enthused.

Dr. David A. Travland, PhD Clinical Psychology, announced the new Spring Hill Caregiver Survival Institute, Inc., and described a new book he co-authored, "The Tough and Tender Caregiver: A Handbook for the Well Spouse."

One local assisted living facility offered brochures about their two Spring Hill locations.

Both provide licensed care for patients in "a place like home, caring for your elderly," with amenities including personal care, housekeeping, laundry, meals, help with medication, activities and field trips, and being pet friendly. For information call Jennifer Gunn at cell phone 727-410-7966.

Before the forum crowd dispersed, a question-and-answer response preceded the parting ovations.

Columnist Gary Leblanc gave some expert advice for caregivers on handling stress during a hectic holiday season.

The former caregiver of his recently deceased father, he writes about care giving and those experiences for Hernando Today, and will soon have his book about care giving published.

"Too much movement and too many people and sounds confuse the loved one who is ill, medicated or who has dementia," he said.

"So during the holidays and for visits, only allow a few visitors at a time. Maybe don't have a lot of decorations and that huge family meal.

"Above all, create a routine and keep it simple."

Caregiver Connections Quick Access Guide

The Caregiver forum supplied important information in the form of contacts.

Alzheimer's Family Organization

(Central Florida) PH: 727-848-8888

Web site: www.alzheimersfamily.org

Community services and programs, education and support for caregivers of Alzheimer's and other dementia problems, free ID wares, Helpline, Speaker's Bureau

Caregiver Survival Institute, Inc.

10000 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill FL, 34613

PH: 866-962-6224

Web site: www.CaregiverSurvival.org

Services include gerontological counseling, free consultation, First Action Caregiver Planning and training, free caregiver support and referral resources and data.

Catholic Charities Daycare/Center

Northern Counties Regional Center, 1423 Kass Circle, Spring Hill

Marie Monahan PH: 352-686-9897, Ext. 22, Mental Health Counseling 686-9897, Ext 28

Web links at: www.ccdosp.org

Respite program twice weekly for people with early stage dementia and Alzheimer's. Offers caregiver support groups, referrals to other resources, marriage and mental health counseling. Fees based on sliding scale.

Elder Options (Mid-Florida aging resources) Department of Elder Affairs, State of Florida, weekdays call 800-963- 5337

Web site: www.agingresources.org

Information and referrals for In-home services, Adult day care, housing, legal assistance providers, health care, employment, meal programs

HPH Hospice 698 S. Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34601 and 12260 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613

HPH Hospice provides care for individuals affected by a life-limiting illness regardless of ability to pay. HPH professionals include physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains and bereavement counselors. Volunteers to assist with non-medical cars are always welcome. HPH Home Health provides assistance with short-term illnesses, wound care, recuperation from a stroke or surgery, diabetes management and more.

For information about eligibility and admissions call toll free 866-940-0962.

Website: www.hph-hospice.org

Mid-Florida Community Services

820 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601

Helpline Hernando County: PH: 796-0485

Services for seniors include home delivered meals to homebound, congregate meals, caregiver support, transportation aid, homemaker aid, legal assistance, personal care with hygiene and homecare assistance, supervised respite, energy assistance, weatherization repairs, referrals to other help, case management and the Elder Helpline.

Compiled by MAUREA SLEESMAN