Caregivers provide lifetime of support
In 1982, Marsha Gibson admittedly never thought care-giving would be a lifetime profession. But it is a task that has become an integral part of her life.
She has been attending the caregivers support group meetings recently, but she has been caring for family members for 40 years.
Recently, the Caregiver Support Program recognized the efforts of Marsha and her peers during a special luncheon at the SPHS offices in Charleroi. November is National Family Caregivers Month.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you because what you do for your loved ones is a 24/seven job,” said Cynthia Kopanic, Domiciliary Care and Caregiver Support Program supervisor for SPWA Area Agency on Aging.
The Caregiver Support Program provides support to caregivers.
Caregivers can qualify for the program in one of three ways:
- Caregivers who are caring for a functionally dependent person 60 years of age or older, or caring for a younger person with Alzheimer’s or other chronic dementia;
- Caregivers who are age 55 or over who are the primary caregivers for relative children under the age of 18, and who are not biological parents of the children;
- Caregivers who are age 55 or over who are caring for a relative who is age 18 to 55 with a non-dementia disability.
Caregivers participating in the program may receive education, family-centered benefits counseling, care management and limited reimbursement for supplies and services related to care-giving.
Caregivers may be eligible for a one-time grant of up to $2,000 to be used for home modifications or adaptive equipment. Reimbursement eligibility is based on household income.
To enroll, call toll free 1-800-734-9603 or 724-489-8083 ext. 4617. Once the call is made, a care manager from the Caregiver Support Program will visit the home and complete an assessment of the caregiver’s needs.
Based on those needs and the financial situation of the household, the caregiver may be eligible to receive reimbursement for respite care services within and outside the home and/or care-giving supplies. A care manager can also assist the family in obtaining other community services.
The Caregiver Support Program was implemented by SWPA Area Agency on Aging as a part of its ongoing effort to provide inter-generational programming opportunities and develop stronger ties with disability, educational and child care networks.
Marsha’ first experience as a caregiver was taking care of her paternal grandfather, and later her mother-in-law.
“I never thought it would last this long,” Marsha said
Marsha has provided care for various people. She finds joy in knowing they need her.
“I’ve been very blessed,” Marsha said. “I enjoy what I do. I need them as much as they need me.”
Raised in California, Cathy Johnson returned to the area after a conversation with her mother six years ago. Her mother’s message was simple: she needed help taking care of dad.
“I tried to support mom in whatever she needed,” Cathy said.
A caregiver with her mother, Connie, Cathy took care of her farther, David, until he moved into Arden Courts in Jefferson Hills in February.
“We took care of him as long as we could,” Cathy said.
Caregiver is a special vocation, she admits.
“I wanted to help my mom so she didn’t have to shoulder all of the burden,” Cathy said. “My parents did a lot for me so this was my way of paying them back. I couldn’t have someone else do it when I’m perfectly capable.”
Patrick Kon, who will turn 63 next month, is retired from Supervalu’s New Stanton facility.
He has been a caregiver for much of the past five years, currently caring for his parents, Frank and Patricia Kon, who reside in Donora.
“I try to make things as comfortable as possible for them,” Patrick said. “I moved back in with my parents, so we’ve come full circle. They helped me when I was young and now it is my turn to help them out,” Patrick said.