Caregivers often go unnoticed and unappreciated as they go about their lives caring for others, rarely being recognized for their contributions to the community and society.
That will change as leaders of Assurance, a nonprofit organization founded last year by Virginia Grant, host the Caregivers Festival, which is designed to bring caregivers and the community together for a day of connection, support and access to resources. The event will feature local organizations, health care providers and community partners offering services and information to support caregivers in their roles.
“Caregivers carry so much, often without recognition,” Grant said, adding that Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward will present a proclamation at the festival declaring April 18 as Family Caregivers Appreciation & Awareness Day. “Presenting this proclamation at the festival makes it even more meaningful — it allows our community to come together in one place to recognize, support and honor caregivers.”
The festival will be held April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd.
Family caregivers often provide essential, ongoing care while balancing work, family responsibilities and their own well-being. According to a press release, the proclamation and event serve as a reminder that supporting caregivers is a shared community responsibility. Community members are encouraged to attend the festival, participate in the proclamation presentation and show support for caregivers throughout the region.
Alachua County has between 50,000 and 52,000 caregivers, Johnnie Jones III, caregiver support coordinator for Elder Options in Alachua County, wrote in an email to The Sun.
“Caregivers face many social and emotional issues stemming from the change in role that they inevitably face, Jones said. “Spouses and children become caregivers, which in and of itself, comprises dozens of other job descriptions. I feel the greatest challenge for family caregivers is coordinating care, services, resources and support for their care receiver. When legal and financial concerns, as well as family dynamics are factored in, it can be quite daunting.”
Failing to assess and properly appropriate resources can lead to “burnout and poor outcomes for all parties involved” in a caregiving situation, Jones added, noting there are “answers and resources available to make the caregiving course smoother” in any situation.
Elder Options offers a course specifically designed to help caregivers, Jones said.
“The Savvy Caregiver training course is a nationally recognized, evidence-based intervention offered in seven, two-hour weekly sessions by certified trainers to teach family caregivers of people living with dementia how to better understand the disease course, challenging behaviors and self-care strategies,” Jones said.
Assurance’s mission is to alleviate the challenges faced by caregivers by providing access to legal, emotional, financial, medical and social support. Through a range of resources and support programs, Assurance aims to empower caregivers to fulfill their vital roles with confidence, ensuring the well-being of both caregivers and their loved ones, according to a press release.
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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville festival to recognize and support family caregivers
Reporting by Cleveland Tinker, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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