November was National Caregivers Month, a time to celebrate, honor and support the millions of people who serve as caregivers for aging loved ones and those with chronic disease or disability. Whether caring for an aging parent, a spouse or someone with a disability, these largely unpaid people perform a much needed service with love and dedication and often, with little or no recognition for the cost they save society at large.

According to the Department of Human Services’ Administration on Aging, “Family caregivers provide an estimated $450 billion in uncompensated care.” There are also unsung heroes among neighbors and friends who take the time to check in on the elderly lady next door, give her a ride to the doctors or see to it that healthy meals are delivered to her door.

We at the Southern Minnesota Parkinson’s support group here in Albert Lea are particularly aware of the service caregivers provide. Our support group always includes the caregiver as a full partner in the fight against the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease. Without a devoted spouse or other family member most of our members would have a very difficult time living in their own home.

I would like to encourage you to reach out to these dedicated men and women and offer whatever assistance you can. Perhaps you can sit for an hour or two while they run errands or attend their own medical appointments or (heaven forbid!) take a nap!

Again, according to DHS, “Many caregivers of older people are themselves older adults. Of those caring for a person age 65 plus, the average age of caregivers is 63 years with one third of these caregivers in fair to poor health.”

Our Southern Minnesota Parkinson’s support group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Albert Lea Senior Center from 9:30 to 11 a.m. That said, I must tell you that we are taking the month of December off and will resume our meetings in January. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions and I will try my best to be of assistance.

I would like to close with a salute to a wonderful woman who is sadly no longer with us. Maureen Ruble was our dedicated facilitator, supporter and cheerleader until her untimely death in October. We mourn her loss but we are still very much in operation. I am trying to fill some very big shoes by following in her stead. You may contact me at atroska@frontiernet.net or call at 507-874-3367.

 

Anne Troska
facilitator
Southern Minnesota
Parkinson’s Support Group
Alden