DailyJournalOnline → News → Local → Library has caregiver information available

Library has caregiver information available

Published: Friday, November 27, 2009
Updated: Thursday, October 29, 2009 1:06 PM CDT

New books on family caregiving are presented to Farmington Public Library Director Karen Roman. From left are Heather Sites of VNA TIP Home Care; Kathy Bullis of SEMO AAA; Roman; and Sandy Lerczak, SEMO AAA board member. - Submitted photo

Since time began, families have taken care of their elderly and frail loved ones at home.

Even in today’s busy world, according to the University of Missouri Extension, only a little more than 5 percent of those 65 and older live in institutional care, so the other 95 percent are living at home — some being cared for by family members.

A little more than a quarter of the adult population are providing care to a loved one. This means there are many family caregivers out there. Often it can be challenging and answers can be difficult to find.

In celebration of Family Caregiver month in November, the Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging is hosting Library Information Days across the region. Local libraries have always been a valuable resource within the reach of caregivers.

Through the generous donations of local organizations, there is an increased amount of caregiver information available in some local libraries.

St. Francois County’s Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging board member, Sandy Lerczak, worked with VNA TIP Home Care and TIP Hospice to obtain a $200 donation for new books, and the SEMO AAA donated two books and a CD on the subject of family caregiving.

The new books were presented to Farmington Public Library Director, Karen Roman by Sandy Lerczak and Heather Sites of VNA TIP Home Care on Oct. 22, during an information day event.

The new titles soon to be available at the library are Elder Rage; How to Care for Your Parents’ Money While Caring for Your Parents; Coping With Your Difficult Older Parent; Caring for yourself While Caring for Your Aging Parents; Are Your Parents Driving You Crazy?; Family Caregiver Guide, Caring for a Person With Alzheimer’s Disease; CD titled Caring For Your Parents; Comfort of Home; Fearless Caregiver; Fourteen Friends; Home Care Companion, Quick Tips for Caregivers; Thou Shall Honor; and The Wealth of Your Life.

If you are interested in family caregiving, please stop by the Farmington Public Library and check out these new resources or call the SEMO AAA Family Caregiver Program at 1-800-392-8771.