November is National Family Caregiver’s Month, which provides an important opportunity to celebrate and thank family caregivers for providing quality care to loved ones.
The theme for National Caregivers Month 2021 is #CaregiverAnd to promote the idea that individuals are so much more than only a caregiver.
Across Pennsylvania, according to the PA Homecare Association, more than 1.6 million Pennsylvanians are caring for older parents, spouses, or other loved ones, assisting them to live independently. The Pike County Area Agency on Aging website features helpful resources to support caregivers. Visit www.pikepa.org/aaa or call 570-775-5550 to learn more.
Free education, peer support, and resources for family caregivers are also available through Caregiver Action Network, a non-profit organization which promotes National Family Caregiver’s Month. Visit www.caregiveraction.org to learn more.
Senior CHAT Program
The Pike County Area Agency on Aging is also promoting the Senior CHAT program, Friendly Calling, a free service through which older adults are connected with volunteers to talk by phone on a regular basis. Privacy of a senior’s phone number is maintained.
Both volunteers and participants are needed for the Friendly Calling program, which facilitates friendships and meaningful connections.
For more information on the Senior CHAT program, email Dawn Houghtaling at houghtalingd@diakon.org or call (570) 390-4540.
