When a person is caring for a loved one, sometimes they forget to do the things they enjoy.

&uot;Many times caregivers forget they need to have fun,&uot; said Annette Petersen, manager of Senior Services in Albert Lea.

That’s where the Caregiver Outreach Support Program through the Senior Services Program of Senior Resources comes in. The program was started July 1 through a grant, and has been up and running since October.

Today it is recognized throughout the United States that families or friends that are caring for a loved one who is frail or disabled presents a variety of concerns and unique challenges.

Keeping a loved one in their own home as long as possible has great economic and personal benefits. Because the cost of nursing home care is high, keeping a loved one at home may be the best economic choice. The numbers of people who are living longer is rapidly growing, which presents complicated and serious problems. Nursing homes often have a limited number of beds so home care may be the only option. Keeping loved ones at home longer is often a good solution but not without problems for the caregiver.

&uot;The purpose of the program is to provide support and encouragement to the caregiver,&uot; Petersen said.

The Caregiver Outreach Program is designed to help the caregiver improve their own competence and confidence by offering individualized assistance and attention. Respite services and education opportunities are the main focus. Volunteer respite workers are available to relieve the caregiver so their time can be spent on activities they enjoy or used to run necessary errands. Respite is intended to supplement the help already received from family and friends or professional aide workers.

Paul Scrabeck of Alden is a respite volunteer. He found volunteering for the program a good fit, since he is already a hospice volunteer.

&uot;I see very little difference,&uot; Scrabeck said of what he does for the two programs. &uot;The caregivers are very appreciative. I think it’s a great program.&uot;

Through his volunteer work, Scrabeck hopes to be there for someone every day. He began volunteering after his wife went to work in the activities department at the Good Samaritan Center.

&uot;It’s very enjoyable being there for others,&uot; he said.

In Freeborn County, educational opportunities will be available that will be aimed at providing information of interest to the caregivers. It may include specific training on care or helpful tips for problem solving. These education sessions will be in collaboration with community partners that include Peer Counseling, area nursing homes, Department of Human Services and the Albert Lea Medical Center.

&uot;We’re a strong program because of our community partners,&uot; Petersen said.

A special party for caregivers and receivers is being planned for Jan. 28 at St. John’s Lutheran Home. Free transportation will be provided. There will be dinner, entertainment, and discussion time.

&uot;Even though it’s in January, people don’t need to worry about the weather because we’re providing the transportation,&uot; Petersen said.

The deadline for registering for the party is Jan. 10. Call 373-0695 for more information.

Other hopes Petersen has for the program is to set up a mentoring program and telephone support system for caregivers.

If you would like to learn more or become involved in this new Freeborn County program call Senior Services at 373-0695. Both volunteers and caregivers in need of support are welcome.

Senior Services is a program of Senior Resources of Freeborn County and receives contributions from the United Way. It is in partnership with the Senior Linkage Line, which is supported by the Minnesota Board on Aging. Other Senior Resources of Freeborn County programs are Chore Services, Peer Counseling, Ride Services, RSVP, management of conservatorships and the Senior Scene.