Purdue News
Purdue NewsFebruary. 20, 1998
As a way to get information to and encourage rural caregivers, Breaking New Ground has organized a "Workshop for Rural Caregivers and Professionals Working With Caregivers" to be held March 26 and 27 in Indianapolis. The workshop is based on educational materials that Breaking New Ground compiled after visits to farm families with caregivers. The educational packet, "To Everything There Is a Season," won a 1997 National Council on Aging Innovator Caregiving award.
"Rural areas have special needs, barriers and concerns," Delks said. "People in rural areas are not worried about things like curb cuts and bus routes. They are more independent and are more likely to resist asking for assistance than are people in more urban areas. They also tend to be isolated from others in the same situation."
On March 26, a half-day training session for professional caregivers who work in rural areas will include resource kits and a panel of rural caregivers and families. James Sherman, author of the 12-book "Caregiver Survival Series," will discuss how to serve rural caregivers more effectively. The day will end with dinner and a motivational speaker.
Most rural caregivers are family members who do not look at themselves as caregivers, according to Delks. In 95 percent of cases, the male is injured and the wife is the primary caregiver, he said.
A full day of sessions designed to help and encourage the family caregiver is planned for March 27. Discussions will focus on how and where to ask for help, communication between the family and caregiver, and financial planning and power of attorney. A panel of four farm wives will share what they wish they had known when their disabled spouses came home from the rehabilitation center. There will also be sessions on laughter, nutrition, hope for parents and support groups. Resource packets compiled from the Cooperative Extension Service, rehabilitation centers and caregivers' associations will be available.
Workshop cost is $85 for the first day and $40 for the second day. After March 5, there is a $20 late fee. Preregistration is required by March 20. To register, call Breaking New Ground at (800) 825-4264. Scholarships are available to people with disabilities through the Indiana Governor's Council for People With Disabilities. For information about scholarships, call (317) 232-7770.
CONTACT: Delks, (765) 494-1221; e-mail, delks@ecn.purdue.edu
Writer: Tim Hoskins, (765) 494-8402; e-mail, news_students@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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