2019 Annual Report: Supporting Caregivers — Interfaith Caregivers and Wellspring Faith in Action

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In November 2000, Congress reauthorized the Older Americans Act and created Title III-E, the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). This Title was designed to help family and informal caregivers care for older adults in their homes for as long as possible. By creating the NFCSP, Congress explicitly recognized the important role that family caregivers occupy in our nation’s long-term services and supports system.

In 2003 when the NFCSP regulations were in place, and funds became available, the Region Nine Area Agency on Aging (one of the predecessors to MNRAAA) awarded its first Title III-E grant awards. Among the initial recipients were two Faith-in-Action programs, Interfaith Caregivers and Wellspring, serving Faribault and Watonwan Counties respectively. Seventeen years later, both programs continue to support caregivers through Title III-E grant awards from MNRAAA.

Over the years, these programs have provided respite care, caregiver coaching/consulting, support groups and education and training specifically designed to achieve reduced caregiver burden; increased caregiver skill competency and confidence; extended time care can be provided at home; and increased caregiver access to support services. While maintaining their commitment to these basic goals, Interfaith Caregivers and Wellspring have adapted their caregiver services to address changes in demographics and the introduction of new and innovative models of support.

Interfaith Caregivers has implemented a Friendship Café (a safe and comfortable space where caregivers and their loved ones living with memory loss can socialize, receive support and enjoy the company of those with similar things in common) and is placing a greater emphasis on outreach to working caregivers. Wellspring is responding to the needs of Hispanic caregivers in Watonwan County by implementing a Spanish-language support and education group through a partnership with Our Golden Age meetings.

Both Interfaith Caregivers and Wellspring have been successful in their provision of services to support caregivers. Caregivers who responded to satisfaction surveys indicated the services met or exceeded their expectations, helped them to cope better, increased their skills or ability to provide care, and helped them to provide care longer. Survey comments indicated that the caregiver services are very much appreciated and are very valuable to the community. An on-going challenge for both programs is how to engage caregivers earlier. Kim Askeland, Wellspring program coordinator, summarized this challenge best, “Caregiving is a long journey most of us will take at some point in our lives. We don’t need to take this journey alone.” She continued by saying, “There are many resources available to caregivers; they just need to be willing to reach out for and accept help.”

To learn more about caregiver services:

  • In Faribault County, contact Interfaith Caregivers at info@interfaithcaregivers.net or 507-526-4684.
  • In Watonwan County, contact wellspringfia@co.watonwan.mn.us or 507-375-1276.

For people in all other counties in Southwestern Minnesota, or if your organization is interested in providing caregiver services or applying for a grant award, contact Rhonda Hiller Fjeldberg at rfjeldberg@mnraaa.org or 507-387-1256 x. 105.

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How is Your Loved One/Caregiver Doing?

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The holidays are over, the celebrations have ceased and things, for the most part, have returned to normal. People resume their jobs and their daily activities. However brief the respite that was the holidays, for some, has left too soon.

In our area of rural Minnesota, families reunite during the holidays. During these visits, they may see Mom or Dad struggling to take care, not only of themselves but also their spouse. For those that have traveled back home, they may feel an urge to help their parents in cleaning, cooking or other tasks.

Often, the focus is on the ailing parents and how they are doing. But, do they ask the family member(s) that are helping Mom and Dad on a regular basis how they are doing? Do they ask if there is anything they may need help with? When everyone leaves, are Mom and Dad able to care for themselves, is the caregiver able to provide the care needed, or does the caregiver need more assistance? Do they make sure the caregiver is taking care of themselves?

As a family and as a society, how do we help caregivers avoid burn out? How do we prevent further health issues for the caregiver, let alone more potential health issues with the one they are caring for? We need to do a better job of recognizing and assisting the caregiver.

According to AARP’s most recent Valuing the Invaluable: 2019 Update, providing support, training and respite improve health outcomes for all and are shown to reduce hospital re-admissions. Therefore, I challenge those who may live a distance away to be a support to not only the care recipient but also to the caregiver. Reach out, offer assistance, respite and let them know you are there to help when needed. Happy 2020!

Sincerely,
Jason W. Swanson, HSE
Executive Director
MNRAAA

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November is Family Caregivers Month

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Each November, we celebrate our military veterans on Veterans Day and give thanks for our blessings on Thanksgiving Day. But did you know that during November, family caregivers are recognized and celebrated? Caregiving is one of the most important jobs someone can do. Whether you are taking care of a loved one, friend or neighbor, it is essential to educate and take care of yourself.

This year, the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is encouraging family caregivers to explore options and discuss topics that affect the health and well being of their loved ones. Below are some topics shared by CAN:

Your Loved One’s Goals:

You know your loved one better, and spend more time with them than anyone else. Talk to them about their goals regarding their care and treatment. It can be challenging to talk about goals when facing a disease. But these talks help make sure your loved ones are receiving the care they want.

Treatment Options:

Is your loved one responding well to treatment? If not, ask their health care provider if there are other options available. Discuss possibilities for different dosages, alternative medications, or a new procedure. Speak up and ask their health care provider if there are options you and your loved one should consider.

Research:

The internet is an excellent research tool, but there is often conflicting and even dangerous advice – so don’t stop there! Be curious about the articles you read and ask questions. Is it from a reliable source? Talk to friends, family and doctors and ask as many questions as possible to learn about your loved one’s condition and treatments.

The Care Plan:

If your loved one is hospitalized, be sure to ask what happens after discharge. Will they need home care? Are there medications or procedures that will need to be managed at home? Some care may be complex and you may need to be trained on how to provide that care or make arrangements for qualified professionals.

Coverage:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about insurance coverage, such as: Is their current Medicare plan the best option or should you change coverage during open enrollment? Was a medication changed for medical reasons, or because their insurance no longer covered it? If coverage was denied, can it be appealed or are there other options that can help pay their costs?

One of my favorite quotes is from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Which one are you?

Sincerely,
Jason W. Swanson, HSE
Executive Director

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Powerful Tools for Caregivers and the Aikido Style of Communication

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Family caregivers continue to be the backbone of long-term care services and support for older adults in Minnesota. Unfortunately, many family caregivers are not aware of the negative impact of caring for an older adult relative or friend may have on their health.

In the Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes we teach a section on communicating effectively with others. In a recent class a caregiver son – we’ll call him Richard, was frustrated and sad that he was unable to communicate effectively with his widowed mother because she was so angry with him for having moved her to an assisted living facility. During the class on communication we introduced the Aikido style of communication. Aikido is a communication tool that can help another person to feel that we understand his/her feelings and point of view. A person who feels heard and validated is more likely to work with us to find solutions to problems and concerns. The goals of Aikido are to create or regain a feeling of harmony between ourselves and the other person, to help the other person feel we have heard him/her, and to help the person meet some of his/her needs without sacrificing our own.

What Richard discovered was that instead of listening to his mother express her anger and empathizing with her he was defensive and argumentative. After learning the Aikido style of communication and role playing with other class participants, Richard felt he was ready to try to have a pleasant visit with his mother. This time, instead of being argumentative, Richard responded with empathy, “I’m sorry you are so unhappy here, mom.” Richard reported back to the class the following week that just saying those few words and responding with empathy defused his mother’s anger. Richard finally understood that his mother needed him to understand and empathize with her.

As a caregiver, we must rely on our communication skills to obtain and share information, to adapt to change, to ask for what we need, and to stay connected with others. Problems related to changing care needs are usually laden with emotion. If you reflect the other person’s feelings you communicate understanding, acknowledgment and acceptance. Once you address a person’s emotions it’s easier to discuss the facts and details of a problem.

To find out more about Powerful Tools for Caregiver classes call the Senior LinkAge Line.

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