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We offer help to the Caregiver in a variety of ways:
SUPPORT GROUPS
It can be very frustrating, upsetting, overwhelming. It can be even more difficult when you are all alone. Our support groups offer comfort during difficult times and celebrations during those special moments. We offer 2 group sessions, offered during the day or evening, so that you connect with others in a situation similar to yours.
ANNUAL CAREGIVER RETREAT
Once a year, we hold a FREE Caregiver's retreat. We set aside a Saturday (usually) and for a few hours we provide information from professionals in the areas concerning caregivers today (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease). We provide a meal, entertainment, and even door prizes. These are designed for the caregiver to get away and treat themselves for a few relaxing hours.
CANDLELIGHT REFLECTIONS
Each year in November, the County and the State recognizes Alzheimer's Month. We hold a ceremony in the atrium of the courthouse in downtown Smithfield. We hold a candle lighting ceremony remembering those we have lost and honoring those currently living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, and their dedicated caregivers.
Joint CSS and JCC Project
is a Success
CSS is happy to congratulate a second group of caregivers to successfully achieve proficiency on their new laptops. A joint effort between the CSS Family Caregiver Program and JCC yielded eight graduates. Shown right is their JCC instructor. A month of hands-on instruction in a classroom, twice a week for a month completed the course to become proficient.
Caring for the Caregiver
Respite
A break for the caregiver can be provided to the primary caregiver caring for a senior with dementia or a disabling condition. Primary caregivers often dedicate all of their energy to meeting the needs of a loved one while postponing their own needs jeopardizing their own physical health and emotional well-being. Our respite care is grant funded and provided through a local home health agency. This service requires a care level assessment by a registered nurse and respite service by a certified nursing assistant.
All programs are monitored by the Area Agency on Aging for compliance.
Resources
Private provider lists for in home care can be picked up at the CSS Office.
Onsite options assistance available. We evaluate individuals' needs and preferences and assist them in connecting with available resources.
Caregiver Links
We talk with family caregivers every day who are looking for answers. They often tell us that the role of caregiver chose them, rather than the reverse. We are constantly amazed by the caregivers’ determination to provide the best possible care for the loved one in the home environment for as long as possible. There are many resources on the internet today, which can help a family caregiver quickly get up to speed on a variety of common caregiving challenges. We have listed a few as a quick reference:
This site has a wealth of articles, videos, resources, and special programs on a variety of caregiving topics. CaregiverStress.com even has a dedicated channel on YouTube.
https://teepasnow.com/resources/for-families-and-friends/#products
Teepa Snow, and occupational therapist and dementia care and educational specialist presents a variety of videos on caregiving for someone with Dementia/Alzheimer's.
https://www.youtube.com/@DementiaAllianceofNC
Our NC partners for information and education surrounding Dementia.
https://www.youtube.com/@PamelaDWilsonCaregivingExpert
Caregiver programs by caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson help older adults and their caregivers plan for the future, reduce worry and doubt, and build confidence. Find the resources you are looking for in this comprehensive collection of videos.