On Thursday, November 1 at 7 pm at SAGE Eldercare in Summit, the public is invited to a free program on the challenges and issues regarding caring for aging parents.  The goal of the program, “Aging Parents 101,” is to provide a forum for learning about and discussing issues that caregivers face when an older relative, friend or neighbor needs assistance but is wary of accepting help.  This program, aimed at caregivers, kicks off the month of November which is National Family Caregivers Month. 

“This nationally recognized month is a time to draw attention to the many challenges that family caregivers face, to advocate for stronger public policy to address family caregiving issues, and to raise awareness about community programs that are available to support family caregivers,” stated Jessica Rosenzweig Gruber, Executive Director of SAGE Eldercare.  “SAGE was established in 1954 to support the independence of older adults by offering a broad range of services.  Without the families and caregivers who help these older adults in the surrounding community, our organization would not be able to fully serve and help the seniors in the region.”

In 1994, the National Family Caregivers Association began promoting the celebration of family caregivers during the week of Thanksgiving.  President Clinton signed the first presidential proclamation in 1997 and every president since has issued an annual proclamation appreciating family caregivers.  As interest grew in family caregiving issues, National Family Caregivers Week became National Family Caregivers Month during the month of November. 

The 2012 theme for NFC Month is for family caregivers to “BELIEVE in yourself . . . PROTECT your health . . . REACH OUT for help.”  According to the National Family Caregivers Association, this year there is a special emphasis on the need for everyone to help family caregivers protect their health in order to have a more satisfying life and to be better able to provide their loved one with the best care possible.  To learn more about NFC Month visit the National Family Caregivers Association website at www.thefamilycaregiver.org. 

SAGE’s program on “Aging Parents 101” will be led by SAGE’s GPS (Guidance, Planning & Support) Services Care Navigators, Kathy Bassiacos and Pat Stelmach.  Both are registered nurses who specialize in geriatric care and provide personalized support, care planning, and guidance to caregivers who are caring for an older loved one.  As part of the GPS service, they conduct assessments of physical and emotional health, support networks and overall well-being, in addition to a written summary and plan regarding care options and available resources. 

To register or learn more about SAGE Eldercare’s November 1 “Aging Parents 101” program, call 908.598.5548 or email education@sageeldercare.org.  The program, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 290 Broad Street in Summit.