Don’t get sick before you take a break

The Nevada Rural Counties RSVP Program, Inc. (RSVP) continues its series of quarterly training sessions for Respite Program volunteers and invites members of the community to join. Family caregivers are especially encouraged to attend this important and informative free training session. Featured speakers include Susan Gulas. R.N., Coordinator for the American Parkinsons Disease Association and others.

Please plan to join on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The training will be held at the Great Basin College, in the Pahrump Valley Center, Room 122 at 551 E. Calvada Blvd.

Respite (time off) for family caregivers is an essential program which provides relief for several hours at a time giving regular breaks a couple of times per week to family caregivers who provide care to their loved ones. Volunteers are well trained, criminally background checked, and carefully matched with caregivers and their loved ones. This assistance is a key component in lowering the overwhelming stress of caregivers who provide nonstop care. If the family member becomes ill or dies as a result of their 24/7 service; the one being cared for will have to be institutionalized. A study from the Journal of the American Medical Association states that elderly spousal caregivers with a history of chronic illness themselves who are experiencing caregiving related stress have a 63 percent higher mortality rate than their non-caregiving peers.

“Family caregivers are encouraged to contact RSVP to apply for this free lifesaving service. Early intervention is key. Don’t wait until you are about to break down to receive the assistance that you need to continue caring for your loved one at home and to keep yourself healthy. We are here to help you now.” said Susan Haas, Executive Director of RSVP.

For more information or to register and hold your place, contact Jan Lindsay, RSVP Field Representative at (775) 751-5282. Refreshments will be provided and there will be time for questions and discussion.