Page 2 - Demo

Page 2 Senior Times - May 2026 I recently attended a few meetings where the topic of family caregiving came up. As the conversations unfolded, it became clear that it might be helpful to pause and reflect on what we really mean when we talk about %u201cfamily caregivers.%u201dIf you have read my columns in the past you may have heard this before, but it is worth repeating that when we use the term family caregivers we are speaking about those unpaid, unsung heroes that live in our community %u2013 and quite honestly, that includes more people than you might think.There are many who are providing some type of care or support for someone else, and yet they are not acknowledging the value of what a gift this is. And many times this person does not have to be related to the family caregiver, they may be someone they met at exercise class, or through a mutual friend, or the neighbor who lives next door %u2013 there are so many different scenarios for the non-related person that it would be hard to list them all. Just please remember family caregivers do not always follow a defined path or relationship.The support itself can look very different from one situation to the next. It could be something small such as bringing them their mail, taking out the trash once a week, driving someone to appointments, helping with errands, or assisting with more personal care such as dressing, bathing, or managing medications. If this feels a bit %u201call over the board,%u201d it is because this is exactly how family caregiving is but the truth is, it is all about helping someone manage daily life in whatever way they might need. Family caregivers identifying the role they are playing is an important first step. This opens the door to thinking ahead and asking some questions about the future such as: what might the future look like, what changes might occur, might there be additional responsibilities that will need more assistance, is the family aware of the role you are playing, if you are not related, and are there services that can help lighten the load?Many times, caregiving often starts slowly and before you realize it, the small acts of help can grow into something far more time-consuming and complex. When this realization hits, the natural thought is what do I do next? Connecting with someone in the aging services network can be very beneficial. You do not always need to know who the right person is to call because one connection can lead you to the right resource who can help you. Many organizations and service providers work together to make sure community members have access to the support and services they need. And the list of organizations working together includes a wide range of providers from health care and financial services to community programs and long-term care support.I can speak for Calhoun County when I say, we are fortunate to have strong collaborations working together among these services to support individuals and families navigating family caregiving efforts.The goal for the family caregiver is simple: make sure to reach out to the area experts so they can help you with guidance in the right direction.This is where proactive caregiving becomes critically important. Many family caregivers find themselves in crisis before they have had time to even prepare. By taking the small step now, before decisions need to be made in an urgent manner, can make such a meaningful difference later.Start today by simply writing down the way you support your person currently and thinking about what might be needed in the future. If you are unsure about the person%u2019s health or medications, have a conversation while writing down the information and place it someplace easily accessible. You never know when you might need it. Even having a current medication list; what they take and when they take it can be critical in the event of an emergency. In this beautiful May season, please be proactive %u2013 take some time to reflect and plan for the %u201cwhat ifs.%u201d Planning today and preparing for the future can help the journey of caregiving be much more manageable and less uncertain.If you recognize yourself in these words, please know %u2013 You are amazing! You are also not alone, and we are here to help with support, guidance, and resources available. Please feel free to reach out to me any time and I will help guide you to the appropriate and available resources needed!Have a wonderful May!PROACTIVE CAREGIVING STARTS WITH YOU!By: Anne Clark, Program Manager, Senior Health PartnersThe Senior Fitness and Fun program and Community Care Options are funded by the Calhoun County Senior Millage.Senior Fitness & Fun!SIGN UP TODAY! CALL 269-441-0948Tai Chi ClassesSenior Health PartnersYour Partner in Health, Support, and Fun!Free & Open to the Public Age 60 & Older!ExercisesAnyone Can Do!Nurse Provided Health Screenings%u2022 Stretching and Flexibility%u2022 Balance and Strength Building%u2022 East Leroy Community Church%u2022 Homer Public Library%u2022 Marengo Township Hall%u2022 Kingdom Builders, Battle Creek%u2022 Heritage Commons, Marshall%u2022 Trinity Episcopal Church, Marshall(Must Preregister, Call 269-986-1583)%u2022 Blood Pressures%u2022 Blood Sugars%u2022 Pulse Ox%u2022 Medication Management%u2022 Wellness EducationSilver Sneakers Yoga %u2022 Kingdom Builders Worldwide%u2022 Kool CenterLocations%u2022 Albion Caring Community Church%u2022 Albion Forks Senior Center%u2022 Athens Lighthouse Event Center%u2022 Battle Creek Kingdom Builder%u2022 Battle Creek Trinity Neighbor Center%u2022 Battle Creek Woodland Church%u2022 Convis Township Hall%u2022 East Leroy Community Church%u2022 Homer 1st Presbyterian Church%u2022 Marshall Trinity Episcopal Church%u2022 Marshall VFW%u2022 Pennfield Calvary Baptist Church%u2022 Tekonsha Fire Dept%u2022 Urbandale Christ United MethodistCommunity Care OptionsWhat Services are Provided?%u2022 Care assessment and planning%u2022 Home safety assessments%u2022 Referral and linkage to community resources%u2022 Light in-home services including homemaking assistance, meal preparation, non-medical personal support, and limited errands%u2022 Respite care for family caregivers%u2022 Advanced care planning documentsAre you 60 or over, living in Calhoun County, and beginning to experience aging challenges? Do you have a chronic condition like arthritis, chronic pain, Parkinson%u2019s Disease, heart disease, or back issues and find some of the tasks to keep your home clean and safe are becoming difficult? If so, Community Care Options may be the program for you.Call Senior Health Partners at 269-441-0948 to learn more. Our friendly staff will complete a brief intake and guide you through the next steps.Do You Find Yourself Needing Some Assistance?Stay Healthy And Happy With Us! Call 269-441-0948We Help Seniors Stay Independent LongerNEED ASSISTANCE? CALL 269-441-0948shpcalhoun.org