The theme for National Family Caregivers Month 2010 is "Reach Out for Help." Family caregivers are encouraged to seek help at all times, but now the message has extra meaning and is particularly important.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the National Family Caregivers Support Program, the first piece of federal legislation to create a nationwide program to assist family caregivers. Under the auspices of the Administration on Aging, the program has helped more than half a million family caregivers.

Getting help begins with recognizing that you need it, asking for it, and accepting it when it is offered. It isn't necessarily an easy thing to do, but it is important for caregivers wanting a better quality of life for themselves and their loved ones.

Another reason for family caregivers to reach out for help now more than ever is that we are all swimming in rough economic waters. Many programs that have existed at the state and community levels have been cut back or eliminated.

Family caregivers need volunteer help from family, friends, and neighbors to ease the burden, and the good news is that the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well. Family caregivers can take advantage of this by reaching out for help with the day-to-day chores of life—making a meal, taking a car in for service, or running an errand.

Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month this November by helping family caregivers reach out for help and being there to provide it when asked. Caregivers give a lot of themselves to meet the needs of the person who is being cared for. It may be possible to ease the stress of caregiving by participating in some services that are available in our community.

The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) receives funding through the Older Americans Act to provide support services for caregivers. The following services are available to residents of Johnson County who are caregivers for adults 60 and older:

• Caregiver information
• In-home assessment, care plan development, and skills training
  
• Caregiver counseling

For additional information on the Family Caregiver Support Initiative of the AAA, call an aging information specialist at 913-715-8861. The AAA Web site also has information about these services at http://hsa.jocogov.org/aging/caregiver.shtml.