Group Helps Caregivers Keep Their Laughter
By Natalie Scott
Eleven years ago, K’June and Brian’s daughter, Ariell, had an asthma attack and was without oxygen for 25 minutes. They were afraid, but K’June knew Ariell would come through. And she did! The incident permanently changed their lives, however, and they transitioned from being just her parents to Ariell’s full-time caregivers. Thankfully, K’June found Easterseals Community Outreach program and their caregiver support group to help connect with others walking the same path.
“Anyone can get burned out from caregiving because there is no break,” K’June says. “Easterseals’ support group helps me keep my laughter. They are wonderful.”
K’June participates in Easterseals’ caregiver support group twice a month. She has also taken advantage of the Resource and Technology Demonstration Center to find different types of assistive technology which can lessen the strain of caregiving on her life and help her daughter continue to be as independent as possible. She uses a gait belt to help Ariell walk with assistance. She also uses adaptive clothing recommended by Easterseals which makes it easier to get Ariell dressed each day.
“We don’t feel bad for ourselves. She is a miracle,” K’June says. “I get weary sometimes, but I can still talk to her. We laugh a lot in my house.”
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are more than 34 million family caregivers in the U.S. One of the greatest needs of these caregivers is respite or a temporary relief for caregivers and families who are caring for children or adults with disabilities, chronic or terminal illness, or the elderly.
“Easterseals gives me more than they know. I try to give back by bringing joy and laughter to the group. To see someone else receive joy is a blessing,” K’June says. “Easterseals calls to check in. It is a testament to how they care for those in the group. The support they give me gives me the extra umph to keep going.”
Caregiving can be an exhausting job, especially when the caregiver does not get time to recharge. Respite is an option through Easterseals Lifespan Respite Program, which provides funds to support family caregivers providing care to a person of any age or disability.
Also housed in Easterseals Resource Center is Assistive Technology, or “tools for independence.” There are hundreds of pieces of assistive technology on display, like pill reminders and smart home devices, which promote independence and quality of life. This gives individuals the opportunity to try out products prior to purchasing. A virtual tour of the Technology Demonstration Center can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/u4y5bx3.
The Caregiver Resource Center and Lifespan Respite programs are partially funded by Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Title III-E of the Older Americans Act.
For more information about any of the services provided through the Community Outreach Program, please contact the Case Manager at 302-221-2076 or [email protected]. Visit our site: www.de.easterseals.com.
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