SAGE Eldercare to Offer R&R Day for Local Caregivers

If you’re a caregiver, you know what stress is.  Whether you are caring for a spouse, a parent, a grandparent, another relative, or a friend, you know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed.  Perhaps you would even give just about anything for a day off.   On Saturday, May 5, beginning at 11 am, SAGE Eldercare is offering a day of pampering just for caregivers.  

Sheryl Sarnak, MA, Life and Laughter Coach, will kick off the day with “Laughter Yoga.”  While this session will not involve any downward dog or tree poses, you will learn laughter exercises combined with deep breathing.  This has been proven to make you feel less stressed, healthier, and more energized.  For more information, visit www.laughonpurpose.com.  Wellness sessions will be offered throughout the afternoon, including massages, Healing Touch, manicures, meditation, and aromatherapy, as well as a nutrition class presented by Gale Reed, Registered Dietician at Overlook Medical Center, and a Fun-to-be-Fit exercise class.  Lunch will be served and SAGE’s adult day care staff will be on site to provide respite care for your loved ones while you relax.  The day will end with a group meditation led by Kay Vallario, RN, NCTMB, Holistic Living Coordinator at SAGE Eldercare.  

“Caregiving presents many challenges, from emotional to physical,” said Stephanie Kresch, Director of Community Relations for SAGE.  “Caregivers often feel guilty for taking some time off, but countless studies show that caregivers who do take a little time for themselves are actually able to provide better care for their loved one.”  Kresch added that many caregivers would be more apt to take time off if they had someone take over caregiving duties for a short period of time on occasion.  “That’s why we have arranged for our adult day care staff to be here during our R&R day to take care of those who need it,” she said.  “Caregivers will better be able to relax knowing their loved one is in good hands.”   The day is open to any caregiver, and there is a $10 registration fee.  For more information or to register, call 908-598-5529 or register at education@sageeldercare.org.  

SAGE Eldercare supports the independence, well-being and quality of life of older adults, their families and caregivers, through the provision of client-centered health, social and support services.  Founded in 1954, SAGE is both the oldest and one of the few non-profit eldercare agencies in the United States that offers a broad and comprehensive array of services under one roof that assist elderly, often frail, adults to remain independent in their own homes.  SAGE Eldercare programs include: HomeCare; Meals on Wheels; Spend-A-Day Adult Day Care Center; GPS; InfoCare free information and referral service; Fall Prevention Initiative; Home Repair Service; Grocery Shopping and Errand Service; Bill Paying Service; Alzheimer’s and PREP caregiver support groups; and SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program).  SAGE Eldercare serves over 5,000 older people and their families annually in Union, Essex, Morris and Somerset counties.  For more information, call 908.273.5550 or visit www.sageeldercare.org.