Date: May 8, 2007

Local Caregivers Honored During Caregiver Recognition Day

Delaware, OH  -  On Tuesday, May 22,  the Council for Older Adults of Delaware County will recognize some very exceptional people in Delaware County - caregivers, who provide on-going support, care and assistance to elderly family members. Dozens of volunteers visit caregivers throughout Delaware County to deliver flowers, a letter of appreciation and a special gift, as a personal gesture of thanks for the efforts that they make every day in caring for older relatives.

 "This yearly event gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude to caregivers who help keep older adults in their homes,” said Donna Meyer, Outreach Manager at the Council, which created Caregiver Recognition Day in 1999.  “We honor these selfless individuals for the services they provide.”

 According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, a national organization, 65 percent of older persons with long-term care needs rely exclusively on family and friends to provide assistance. Another 30 percent will supplement family care with assistance from paid providers. Care provided by family and friends can determine whether older persons can remain at home. In fact, 50 percent of the elderly who have a long-term care need but no family available to care for them are in nursing homes, while only 7 percent who have a family caregiver are in institutional settings.

The many elder caregivers in Delaware County help us keep older adults safely in their homes as long as possible. We honor these selfless individuals for the services they provide on Caregiver Recognition Day.

Anyone wishing to recognize a local caregiver for this event, please contact the Council for Older Adults by May 15th at 740-363-6677. We welcome volunteers who are available on May 22nd from 1:30 to about 4 p.m. to assist with flower delivery.   

For more information on the caregiver programs or services for seniors provided by the Council for Older Adults, please call 740-363-6677.