Caregivers
As a caregiver, how can I find time to care for myself?
Rosalyn Carter once said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world—those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.”
America’s caregivers are family, friends, partners, and neighbors. To better understand the experience and the meaning of being a family caregiver click on this link to The National Family Caregiver Story Project. You’ll find a collection of first-person accounts indicative of the growing number of caregivers who have reached out to share thoughts and feelings and find solace in the words of others.
A first tip for family caregivers (who need time for “respite” and revitalization): Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks often. (For nine other tips for caregivers click on: www.nfcacares.org/pdfs/10_tips.pdf.)
Caregiver assistance in Avery County and the adjoining region can help you keep the promise you make to yourself to find respite. The following organizations and resources are available and accessible to your immediate needs.
Breaks and respites
(Programs in our mountain area)
Day Break at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living
287 Bamboo Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607
(828) 264-0336
Group respite: A day of personal time and self-care, each Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for care recipients and caregivers (emphasis: memory loss patients).
Call 265-5434, extension 128, for information.
Cranberry House
6215 N. US 19E
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-5558
A secure, supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s and memory-related dementias. Call for respite information.
Avery Senior Services
P.O. Box 447
1655 Shultz Circle
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-8220
www.averycountync.gov/seniorServices
Respite Care: An aide visits the home to provide help for primary caregivers by giving family members a few hours to run errands, meet appointments, or just relax.
Caregiver’s Haven: A specialized adult day program operated by the Avery Senior Center each Friday for persons with memory loss from Alzheimer’s Disease or a related disorder. Caregiver’s Haven is a small-group program in a comfortable, homelike setting at the Center where participants enjoy friendship and meaningful activities. Caregivers get time out to attend to personal needs. The program is therapeutic for participants and helps families keep their loved ones at home.
Grants for respite care
High Country Caregiver Foundation (HCCF)
P.O. Box 3356
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 265-5434
www.highcountrycaregiverfoundation.org/About_Us.html
The High Country Caregiver Foundation is a non-profit organization passionate about helping family caregivers in Avery and Watauga counties. A core belief is that when caregivers use respite and other support services they are better able to preserve quality in their own lives and enhance overall family life.
How do HCCF Respite Vouchers work?
Through the fundraising efforts of this volunteer organization, HCCF is able to provide caregivers with vouchers to fund respite care. These vouchers are awarded up to $500 per recipient and may be applied for twice per calendar year. Priority is given to families who have financial need and are not eligible nor receiving respite services from another organization or agency.
To download an application for a respite grant, click on: highcountrycaregiverfoundation.org/Assistance.html
NC Project C.A.R.E.: Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty
468 New Market Blvd
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 265-5434
Project C.A.R.E. provides respite care and comprehensive support to caregivers of people with dementia, responsive to the needs, values and preferences of Alzheimer’s families. Services include respite care, family consultation and intensive education.
For information on services in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties, call (828) 265-5434 ext. 137.
For general details: www..dhhs.state.nc.us/aging/ad/NCAlzDemo.htm.
