Caregivers in a class of their own

By Sharon Salyer

Herald Writer

Sally Augustine knows the isolation and heavy responsibility that comes with caregiving for an adult who is disabled or has health problems.

First, she helped her husband take care of an elderly relative in California. Then the Mukilteo resident assisted with the care of her mother-in-law, who had cancer. Next, she provided part-time caregiving for her father.

"It’s so overwhelming," she said. "People get isolated. They close in on themselves."

That’s why a class is being offered next week to help the estimated one in 10 people who are caregivers to adults cope with these responsibilities.

The one-day class, sponsored by Snohomish County’s Human Services Department, will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Embassy Suites, 20610 44th Ave. W. in Lynnwood.

Caregivers do the tasks that allow someone to remain independent, whether it’s the laundry, paying the bills or taking someone to the doctor, explained John Peterson, who oversees the county’s family caregiver programs.

Caregivers often begin to sacrifice their own lives as the needs of the person who is being cared for grow, he said.

"That imbalance creates problems," Peterson said. "If you wear out the caregiver, who will take care of that loved one?"

The conference will give tips for balancing the demands of your own family while caring for a disabled or frail adult, and strategies to balance the caregiver’s needs while providing help.

The conference includes 15 workshops and a keynote address by Vicki Schmall, author of "The Caregiver Helpbook: Powerful Tools for Caregiving."

"One thing that caregivers say is that although they have friends and family they can talk to, no one can understand the impact of caregiving except another caregiver," said Merrie Kay Sharar, social services director at the South County Senior Center in Edmonds.

"It’s such an exhausting responsibility; you’re on 24 hours a day."

Many caregivers don’t realize how much they need such a class until they attend one, Augustine said.

Workshops help give caregivers "the tools to have in your toolbox to take care of yourself," she added.

Added Sharar: "You have to take care of yourself emotionally and physically to be a caregiver."

You can call Herald Writer Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486

or send e-mail to salyer@heraldnet.com.

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