Independence

July 2023

Caregiver Corner - Training for Caregivers

Have you taken any training to become a family caregiver? Not many people have. We tend to fall into the role of caregiver by necessity, by accident, by availability. Not usually by choice and planning. As a result, we often find ourselves over our heads trying to do everything that needs to be done. So often, the result is that we get the important things done but we pay the price of being overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed out. 

It’s never a good idea to establish routines that are more stressful than you can tolerate. The end result isn’t good. So, does that mean you shouldn’t be a caregiver because it’s hard and stressful at times? The simple answer is “No.” We need family members to continue as caregivers, even though it is hard and sometimes stressful. However, we know that it can be less stressful if we do a few things: 1. learn all we can about the health issues of the person we care for; 2. learn strategies about how to deal with complex problems most effectively; 3. learn how to take care of ourselves in the process.

CHOICES Corner

Have you ever disagreed with a decision Medicare made about coverage for a service or item? If you have, you have a right to appeal the decision. “An appeal is the action you can take if you disagree with a coverage or payment decision by Medicare or your Medicare plan. For example, you can file an appeal if Medicare or your plan denies:  A request for a health care service, supply, item, or prescription drug you think you should be able to get or payment for a health care service;  supply, item, or prescription drug you already got; or a request to change the amount you must pay for a health care service, supply, item, or prescription drug.”  Here is information to help you request a redetermination.

Read more.

*This article is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $577,477 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Spotlight on Volunteering

Intergenerational programs offer so much more than just uniting our young students with older adults, it is about sharing values, experiences, and growth. Within the RSVP volunteer program, we offer 2 distinct ways to engage with our youth.

For the past 8 years we have been facilitating Pen Pal Projects between Branford Middle school and local seniors and a Veteran focused Pen Pal program with 5/6^th grade students from the West Wood School in Hamden who write to Local Veterans. We cram as many letter exchanges as we can into the school year and always end with a face to face meeting of the students and their Pen Pals.

For two years, we have offered project support to students at the Slate school in North Haven. Volunteers assist students in reading and researching information about their self-chosen project. Our volunteers also draw from life’s experiences and knowledge to help students learn whatever they can to achieve their goals and learning objectives. No computers here!

For those that love to engage with growing minds, curiosity and wonder if one of these projects could be just for you. Think that kids spend far too much time on the computer, iPad, or cell phone, then these types of activities are where it’s at!

This year one student asked their Pen Pal what things were like before the year 2000. And in return we asked what its like to be in school with all these scary things going on across the country. Parents came to meet the veterans with whom their children had been writing to throughout the year, such pride and honor was displayed.

And vacation excursions become living stories for students when a volunteer shares the details of their trips to far and exotic places.

Is one of these programs right for you? Find out more and connect with us through our website or call the volunteer team at 203-752-3059.