sealPurdue News
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February 13, 2002

Workshops offer caregivers information, hope to carry on

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – About one in four adults provide care for an elderly, disabled or chronically ill relative or friend. Finding the strength and financial means to continue can be a challenge for even the most dedicated caregiver.

A Purdue University workshop series addresses the needs of those who give so much of themselves for others. The third annual Caregiving in the Heartland series takes place in five Indiana cities from March 5 to May 7.

Both professional and family caregivers will benefit from the workshops, said Paul Jones, program manager of Purdue's Breaking New Ground Resource Center, a series sponsor.

"A lot of people become caregivers without any preparation," Jones said. "These workshops will provide encouragement and practical information on stress management, dealing with guilt, financial management and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor."

Based on a 2000 survey by the National Family Caregivers Association, the audience for such information is growing. The survey showed that 26.6 percent of 1,000 adults polled were caregivers in the past 12 months. Applied to the adult population as a whole, the data indicated there are more than 54 million caregivers nationwide.

Earlier surveys estimated 25 million Americans were active caregivers.

Caregiving in the Heartland speakers include family caregivers and representatives of the Indiana Department of Health, social services agencies, the Center for Independent Living and the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service.

In addition, the Arthritis Foundation-Indiana Chapter will conduct a "brown bag pharmaceutical check" of prescription medications at each workshop. Attendees may bring prescription bottles with them for examination of possible drug interaction.

Workshops are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

• March 5 – First Baptist Church, 505 S. 14th St., New Castle.

• March 19 – Providence Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Sisters of Providence, Terre Haute.

• April 9 – Huber Orchard-Winery, 19816 Huber Road, Starlight.

• April 23 – LSF Building-Purdue North Central, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville.

• May 7 – League for the Blind and Disabled, 5821 S. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne.

Registration is $20 and includes lunch, refreshments and caregiving materials. The registration deadline is one week prior to workshop dates.

For registration or additional workshop information, contact Breaking New Ground toll-free at (800) 825-4264 or by e-mail at bng@ecn.purdue.edu.

The Indiana Office of Rural Health and Clarian Health also sponsor the workshop series.

Breaking New Ground is an outreach program within Purdue's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The program offers services and resources for persons with disabilities working in agriculture.

Writer: Steve Leer, (765) 494-8415; sleer@aes.purdue.edu

Source: Paul Jones, (765) 494-1221; jonesp@ecn.purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu; https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/AgComm/public/agnews/

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu


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