FRC respite program can relieve elderly caregivers

By Rose Hooper

Here's why. Sue has become a full-time caregiver for her husband, Sam, who suffered a stroke several months ago. His paralysis, compounded by the beginning stages of Alzheimer's disease, makes it impossible for Sam to care for himself.

Sam requires round-the-clock care, just like a helpless baby. But at least you can lift a tiny baby. At 185 pounds, Sam is rather heavy for Sue's 130-pound frame. She has to lift him on and off the bed and in and out of the wheelchair. The hardest part seems to be getting Sam on and off the toilet in time and into the tub when it's absolutely necessary.

It wouldn't be so bad if Sue could just get some sleep at night. That would give her a little rest and help build up her stamina.

But Sam doesn't sleep at night, so Sue doesn't either. Her nights are spent trying to find some comfort for Sam, which means constant switching from the bed to the wheelchair to the lift chair in the living room. Between moves Sam will ask her to fix him a cheese omelet. But some nights when the Alzheimer's seems to be kicking in, as soon as he eats it, he forgets and will ask for another omelet right away.

Sue needs some help. And she needs it soon.

That's where one of several new grant-funded respite care programs available through the Jackson County Family Resource Center comes into place. The Family Resource Center recently received a $15,000 award from Community Foundation of Western North Carolina in Asheville to help families coping with an elderly (age 60 and up) or adult disabled family member.

Those living in any of the seven westernmost counties - Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Cherokee, Clay and Graham ­ are eligible to apply. Jennifer Baer coordinates this program for the FRC.

"These funds are used to assist families in purchasing respite or temporary care, so that the family caregiver can attend to his or her own needs, go to appointments, or simply experience a break from the demands of caring of a dependent family member," said Barbara Jefferys, director of Respite Care Services at the FRC.

"We have dovetailed this grant money with what Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging is using to set up the Family Caregiver Support Program, and help families with an elderly person purchase quite a bit more care," said Baer. "And the best part is that there is no income limitation so that any family with a dependent elder or disabled adult in the seven county area is eligible to apply."

For Sue, it could mean someone coming to their home to care for Sam while she goes grocery shopping, visits the beauty shop or has lunch with her friends. It could even mean someone in the house caring for Sam while Sue takes a much-needed uninterrupted nap.

"This type of respite is called Œvoucher-based respite care.' The FRC has voucher-based respite care available for families in other situations as well," added Jefferys.

"We have voucher-based respite care available for families with children under 18 throughout the seven counties who are facing strong challenges. These include such things as long-term inadequate income, severe medical illness or disability of a child or parent, domestic violence, problems with alcohol or drugs, and other types of difficulties," said Jill Hartline.

Hartline coordinates voucher-based respite care for families with children enrolled in the ONE System of Care program through Smoky Mountain Center.

"And we still operate our Saturday center-based respite program ­ The Family Rest Stop ­ for families living in Jackson County who are in need of a break from the stress of parenting," said Jefferys.

"We are working with many agencies to bring respite services to families here in Western North Carolina ­ Southwestern Child Development Commission, the Community Foundation of WNC, Jackson County Community Foundation, Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging, Smoky Mountain Center, the Division of Social Services. Together that gives us more ways to help families when they need it most," said Jefferys.

To find out more about respite care, call Jefferys, Hartline or Baer at the Jackson County Family Resource Center at 586-2845.

Back to Archive: 03/14/02.