The Good Samaritan Society is excited to introduce a new Life Coaching for Caregivers program to anyone who is a currently caring for a loved one in the Albert Lea area.

According to a press release, the program allows the caregiver an opportunity to speak with a professional coach about creating and accomplishing goals during this important journey. A Good Samaritan Society coach will work with the caregiver to create a plan of self-care, identify caregiving responsibilities, and develop a plan to overcome family conflicts, navigate through difficult decisions, and assist with delegation of responsibilities when appropriate.

Coaching sessions will be done weekly via phone and/or in-person, pending the individual’s schedule, and will last 30 minutes to 60 minutes. This service is being offered free to caregivers across Minnesota. The Society has developed additional resources for caregivers on its website, good-sam.com, aimed at helping reduce stress for caregivers.

There are more than 40 million caregivers in the United States who provide about 37 billion hours of care to their loved ones. Their work is valued at $470 billion. The number of seniors over age 65 is expected to jump nearly 100 percent by 2030, to around 72 million, meaning the need for more educated caregivers continues to rise. Additionally, stress and a lack of information about care tactics and health concerns can harm caregivers themselves. These initiatives by the Good Samaritan Society are aimed at reducing stress, educating caregivers and cutting healthcare costs overall.

The coaching program is part of a broad-based education initiative, funded by a $3 million grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, aimed at increasing awareness of resources for caregivers and providing support for those who need it. Participants who want help with the stressful role of aiding an elder loved one or friends are encouraged to contact Good Samaritan Society call 605-679-1765 or email care.coach@good-sam.com.

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, the nation’s largest not-for- profit provider of senior care and services, owns and operates more than 240 locations nationwide, including Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

Founded in 1922, the Good Samaritan Society’s mission is to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that “In Christ’s Love, Everyone Is Someone.”