PA Department of Aging marks family caregivers and Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
The Department of Aging today released a video to recognize caregivers,featuring caregivers sharing their experiences with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
According to AARP, there are an estimated 2.7 million caregivers in the state that provide nearly $20 billion in unpaid care to their loved ones.Governor Tom Corbett proclaimed November 2014 as Family Caregiver Awareness Month and Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
Secretary of Aging Brian Duke is asking Pennsylvanians to join in recognizing caregivers throughout the Commonwealth and to become aware of the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
“The theme of National Family Caregivers Month is ’Care Comes Home.’ We are grateful to all family caregivers for what they do each day to help those they care for stay in their homes and communities,” Duke said. “In addition, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month provides us with an opportunity to enhance awareness about Alzheimer’s disease as well as the resources available to help.”
The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program provides assistance to caregivers. The program offers information, respite care, caregiving skills training, assistance with home modifications and financial assistance for some out of pocket expenses.
Caregivers interested in finding out more about what the program offers should contact an Area Agency on Aging serving in their community. Visit www.aging.state.pa.us to locate a local AAA or call 717-783-1550.
The department is also guiding the implementation of the Pennsylvania State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders. The plan includes recommendations to meet the needs of over 400,000 Pennsylvanians living with the disease or related disorders.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related disorders, visit www.aging.state.pa.us.
