More support for caregivers

The article of Jan. 22 concerning Yolo Hospice, titled “Support is Available For Family Caregivers,” reviews the many fine services that it provides to those at the end of their lives, including some support for caregivers.

Citizens Who Care is another local organization engaged primarily in support for the frail elderly, the disabled and those with dementia, and their caregivers. Our home respite program offers weekly home visits to assist our clients in dealing with the problems of aging and to help their caregivers replenish themselves and, hopefully, avoid frustration and burnout.

Our Time Off for Caregivers program offers bimonthly five-hour sessions for groups of our clients primarily to help caregivers have an extended period for rest and relaxation, but also to give our elderly clients a chance for social interaction and mental stimulation.

Many of our clients and caregivers have benefited from our programs over many years, often with the same volunteer following them and supporting them should they enter the hospice program.

Caregiving is an extremely complex and difficult responsibility requiring support and understanding by many. It takes a village to deal with the many problems of aging and the pressures put on caregivers. Citizens Who Care is pleased to be part of that village, hoping that we can contribute to improving the quality of life of the frail elderly and their caregivers.

Hibbard Williams

Citizens Who Care board president, Davis