Caregiving takes a financial, emotional and physical toll on caregivers, according to research by the Family Caregiver Alliance. The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) provides essential support and resources to family caregivers.
OCES is a non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County. OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program works with people of all ages in their service area, providing essential support and resources to family caregivers, including grandparents raising grandchildren.
“OCES recognizes that each caregiver’s situation is unique and complex,” explained Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “With National Grandparents Day around the corner, we’re focused on raising awareness about the Family Caregiver Support Program and the many resources available to grandparents who are raising grandchildren.”
The goal of the OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program is to reassure families that they are not alone and that resources are available to assist them in their caregiving situation. This program provides one-on-one support to create a personalized plan outlining available resources (which includes OCES programs as well as community resources) that are applicable to their caregiving situation.
These resources may include caregiver support groups as well as educational workshops or programs that share techniques to help grandparents and other family caregivers with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem-solving, relaxation and more.
“Caregiving is a difficult balancing act and oftentimes family caregivers are so busy caring for loved ones that they neglect to take care of themselves,” said Long. “OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program can assist grandparents in developing a self-care plan and direct them to resources that would be most helpful in their particular caregiving situation.”
Grandparents and other family caregivers are encouraged to learn more about caregiver support services by contacting OCES at 508-584-1561.