Every day, millions of family caregivers help their loved ones age with dignity. During National Family Caregiver Month, CEI is proud to honor their dedication and provides support to help them care for their loved ones while caring for themselves.
Caring for two aging parents was challenging for Karen Ramirez. Her stepfather had advanced cancer and her mother, Lucy M. Petrowich, was living with Alzheimer’s. Moving them into the duplex unit next door greatly helped Karen be involved on a daily basis along with her sister. But it was with support from Center for Elders’ Independence that supported Karen with those responsibilities. “They were very helpful with everything along the way, and everybody always had words of advice and lots of encouragement,” Karen recalled.
At CEI’s East Oakland PACE center, Lucy received medical care, shared meals, and spent time with others. Staff also provided help at home with bathing and everyday needs. Having appointments fully coordinated and in one place and being able to reach her mother’s doctor made care easier to manage. Just as meaningful were the personal connections: staff asked Karen about changes at home, reassured her that Lucy was participating even when she was quiet, and other participants welcomed Lucy to their table. “My mom’s face would just brighten up when she would see him,” Karen said of the center director. Lucy passed away in June, leaving Karen and her family with grief and cherished memories. Looking back, Karen said, “Everybody was treated with dignity and respect.”
For Jennifer Wood, finding support for her father Jay Carlbon brought a sense of relief. An independent person who had traveled the world building homes with Habitat for Humanity, Jay is now living with dementia.
“I never thought in a million years that there could be a program that would be feasible for my dad. I was at the end of my rope trying to find a place. My dad loves it. We always feel heard, supported and everyone’s just so kind. I am not alone but I’m heard and supported.” Jennifer said. The support from PACE meant she no longer had to carry the responsibility alone.
Karen and Jennifer’s experiences are a reminder during National Family Caregivers Month that caring for an older adult also means supporting the family around them. Practical help, attentive listening, and encouragement can make a difference for caregivers. When caregivers feel heard and supported, they have more space to care for themselves and enjoy the time with the people they love.
