Charrise McCorey and her family had just moved to Cass County. She had been caring for her mother Patty Sharkey in their home for many years and was in desperate need of services. She began the journey of seeking information. In her previous area of residence, she had sought help but kept coming to a dead end with road block after road block. Upon arriving here in Cass County, she called the COA to ask about services.
Charrise was met with support as she asked what services were available. Upon hearing about Adult Day Services (ADS), she scheduled a trial visit. Charrise was so impressed by the intake process as it was truly all about her mom and her mom’s needs. She said it felt like a giant group hug then and still does every day. Her mom attends the ADS Monday through Friday and loves it. Charrise finally found a place where her mom’s need for socialization, activity, and involvement are met by staff that really love her and include her.
It wasn’t long after discovering ADS that Charrise heard about the Caregiver Class which was to begin in a few days. Her desire to attend the class was to gain knowledge of facts of dementia and to obtain practical tools to use in daily life. After completing the class, not only did she gain knowledge and acquire tools, but she is better able to understand the disease and its progression. She also feels that she received factual information and tools to help her through her journey of caregiving.
For those who are thinking about taking this class, Charrise would tell you, “One doesn’t know how much they need it because you don’t know what you don’t know.” Charrise found comfort in realizing she was not alone in her journey. She felt the material allowed her to receive straight forward, practical information and gain con² dence in her caregiver skills. There are many more people out there like Charrise who can benefi from these great resources. It could be you, a friend, or a loved one.
The COA not only offers ADS, but will again partner with Region IV Area Agency on Aging to provide the Savvy Caregiver® Class at the Lowe Center in Cassopolis. This free six-week class will be conducted on Mondays, March 20 – April 24 from 1 – 3 p.m. All sessions are taught by Keryl Conkright, Savvy Caregiver® Trainer/ Instructor.
This family caregiver class is for family members caring for an individual in the home setting who lives with any type of memory loss, such as dementia. It is said that caregiving is one of the most diffocult jobs one may do in their lifetime. This class will not only offer information regarding memory loss, as well as dementia and its effects on the brain, but will also include other aspects such as managing behaviors, improving caregiving skills, and how to handle everyday activities more easily. Another important component involves the discussion of making sure to take care of yourself as the caregiver in order to better care for your loved one.
Free respite care is offered while one attends the class. Information is available at the time of registration.
To register, call or email Tracy at (269) 982-7731 or tracymanning@ areaagencyonaging.org.
If you are caring for someone who lives with a memory loss issue, please call and sign up for this class. The information and resources you gain will help you as you make your way through the caregiving journey.
