Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that serves Plymouth county as well as the towns of Avon, Easton and Stoughton, recently held a special “Caregiver Night Out” for 30 caregivers.
Caregiver Night Out, which was held in the Great Hall at Halifax Town Hall, enabled caregivers to socialize with other caregivers while enjoying a dinner and a special night of relaxation.
Three self-care practitioners: Joanne Salerno, a Certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Master; Debra Bunszel, a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master and Dee Davidson, a Certified Massage Therapist were on-hand that evening and treated each caregiver to Reiki, reflexology and a chair massage.
“Caring for an elderly loved one can be overwhelming, frustrating and exhausting. Caregivers give so much of their time and energy; they rarely stop to take time out for themselves. A ‘Caregiver Night Out’ gives them a special night to rest, enjoy a meal and socialize with others who are experiencing the same caregiver challenges,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year.
The typical family caregiver is a 46-year-old woman (who is married and employed) caring for her widowed mother who does not live with her. Approximately 60 percent of family caregivers are women. 17 percent of family caregivers are providing 40 hours of care a week or more (National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP).
To learn more about caregiver support, contact the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES at (508) 584-1561.
About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.
The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the new website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.
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