Elder and Adult Day Services (EADS) has developed a new support program for family caregivers called “Caring For Caregivers.” Beginning in November, eligible family caregivers can access a variety of free services, including free respite care.
EADS is a nonprofit organization which provides day health services and therapeutic recreational programming for seniors and adults with developmental disabilities.
Sponsored by a grant from the United Way of King County, the Caring for Caregivers program offers four free services for caregivers.
The “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” course will begin on Nov. 2 and will take place on Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. for six weeks.
The training gives caregivers specific tools they can use to make sure their caregiver duties do not crowd out all of the other important relationships and activities in their lives. These tools will help them access additional resources, handle difficult family communications, find space in their lives for activities beyond caregiving and help them make better decisions about care.
This training, which would normally cost $125, is being offered at no cost.
The “Staying Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)” exercise class will begin Jan. 3 and take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The exercise program has been designed to be appropriate for seniors of all fitness levels.
Research has shown that seniors who complete the program have increased strength, balance, and mobility and are at a reduced risk of being injured in a fall.
The program, which would normally cost $96, is being offered to family caregivers at no cost.
The Free Respite Care through the “Destinations” program will begin on Nov, 20 and be held from 1-4 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month.
The program, which would normally cost $60, will give family caregivers a needed break from their caregiving responsibilities while the respite care participants are engaged in a variety of activities focused on different travel destinations around the world.
Individual one-on-one counseling services with an experienced social worker will be available for any family caregivers who feel overwhelmed or who are struggling with exhaustion, grief, depression or other personal issues.
These counseling services, which would normally cost $50 an hour, are also being provided free.
In addition, free respite care will be provided at all sessions.
For registration or for more information e-mail c4c@eads-cares.org or call 206-859-5705. EADS is located at 12831 NE 21st Place, Bellevue; 425-867-1799.
