Extension in the Dakotas helps caregivers find support

An estimated 21.3% of Americans are caregivers — those who are helping relatives or friends with daily tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing and managing medications as they face situations such as end-of-life decline, chronic illness and recovery from surgery or illness. Becoming a caregiver can present many difficulties. As the Baby Boomer generation gets older and more Americans reach their 70s and 80s, more people will need help with everyday chores and errands.

Learning to navigate care systems and taking on additional time and financial commitments can cause significant stress for caregivers, who often are already busy juggling their own responsibilities. To help educate them and connect them with resources that can provide much-needed support, Extension professionals at South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University partnered to present a three-part Caregiver Learning Workshop. Experts in topics including elder law, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, in-home care and aging and disability resources spoke to participants. The workshops were held via Zoom, and watch parties were set up at partner organizations to allow those without internet access at home to participate.

People who joined the workshop series said they gained valuable information about resources. They reported intentions to complete elder law forms and reach out to service providers, financial planners and others who can assist.

Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds.