Let’s get right to the point. There are people on Kauai you don’t know, but they could use your help. Who are these people? They’re the ones trying their best, often on their own, to care for mothers and fathers,
Let’s get right to the point.
There are people on Kauai you don’t know, but they could use your help. Who are these people?
They’re the ones trying their best, often on their own, to care for mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, grandfathers and grandmothers. They’re looking after loved ones due to illness, aging, disease, or rehabilitation.
It’s a noble cause, but if you’ve ever tried to care for someone who is homebound, it can be exhausting and overwhelming. Some people must be looked after 24/7. If you’ve ever cared for someone battling Alzheimer’s disease, it’s draining.
Millions of Americans, each year, destroy their own health and finances while caring for a loved one. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, 35 million Americans in 2012 were caregivers for family and friends over 55 years old.
People in these situations will many times toil on in silence, rather than ask for help. They’ll shoulder ahead in solitude rather than burden others. It’s not good for them, or the very people they love enough to surrender their freedoms to help.
Let’s consider giving them a hand. We can do this through a program called “Share the Care.”
A local chapter of STC was formed about year ago. Since, 55 volunteers have assisted some 30 families. They’ve cleaned, mowed, shopped, driven and monitored, all for free, all to give a much-needed break to those facing caregiver burnout.
But more volunteers are needed.
STC Founder Sheila Warnock will be on Kauai today. From 4 to 5 p.m., she’ll meet with STC volunteers at Kauai Hospice. She’ll hear success stories, and she’ll hear about the need for more volunteers to keep up with a growing demand. And she’ll stick around to field questions. The meeting is free and open to the public to learn more about the program and potentially to volunteer.
Now, it’s never easy to find free time with today’s hectic schedules and demanding lifestyles. This might be one of those pay it forward moments. Step up now for those in need, and others will return the favor later.
In case you’ve never heard of this program and are skeptical, here’s a little more information:
• STC operates over six geographical regions around the island, each with a coordinator who receives a request, makes an assessment, and then arranges a gathering of possible supporters. In the absence of supporters, STC volunteers fill in to form an extended family.
• STC receives referrals from the Office of Elderly Affairs, physicians, Alzheimer’s organization, Kauai Hospice, individuals in need, and/or friends aware of a need.
• Kauai Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. and the Kauai County Council have endorsed STC.
“Volunteering for STC is paying-it-forward. At some time in the future, each of us will likely need help,” says Deborah Duda, Kauai Share the Care coordinator.
She’s right, folks. We’re not getting any younger.
So if you have time, please stop by to meet Warnock and learn about getting involved with STC.
There are plenty of stressed out caregivers who will thank you.
