By Ashley Hoffmann and Liz Crawford, Spectrum Generations Family Caregiver Specialists

Are you caring for an adult with Alzheimer’s or memory issues (under a doctor’s care) who cannot be left alone?  Do you need a day out to run errands, or just need a little time for yourself? 

If so, please call Spectrum Generations today and talk to a Family Caregiver Specialist to hear more about your options regarding Partners in Caring respite funds that are currently available. Respite is just a fancy way of saying relief, or “taking a breather” from round the clock caregiving. 

There are many ways the Family Caregiver Program can help you.  Partners in Caring respite funding could help pay for some homecare, adult day services, or home improvements. The Family Caregiver Support Program also provides caregiver information and assistance, resources for caregivers and their employers, individual counseling, caregiver support groups across central Maine, plus community education and Maine SAVVY Caregiver Training classes. 

Caregivers are very special people.  Almost 1 in 4 people in the U.S.A. (22.4 million) are involved in care giving for someone age 60+.   Family members and friends provide 85% of all home care. An estimated 20-40% of caregivers balance the responsibility of children under age 18 with their care giving tasks.    

Spectrum Generations wants to be your “partner in caring.”  For more details about the Family Caregiver Program, please call 1-800-639-1553 and ask for extension 127 or 139 or visit www.spectrumgenerations.org.