CONTACT:

Jennifer Gallo, Community Public Relations Coordinator
302-479-1691

For immediate release – February 23, 2007

The Family & Workplace Connection Assists "Sandwich Generation" Caregivers
NBC Nightly News series focuses on challenges faced by this unique group

WILMINGTON, DE –“ Sandwich generation” caregivers face a unique set of challenges which are being highlighted on the NBC Nightly News series, Trading Places – Caring for Aging Parents. Sandwich generation caregivers are defined as those that care not only for their own children but also act in a caregiving role for their own parents.

The Family & Workplace Connection has developed several services designed specifically to support older adults and those who are caring for them. “Studies consistently show that caregiver health suffers during the years of caregiving,” says Kathy Hyde, FWC’s Elder Services Director, “If we are to enjoy the benefits of family caregiving, we need to provide appropriate supports for caregivers, and we must encourage and enable caregivers to make use of these services.” ElderOnline, FWC’s free elder care information service provides families with online access to comprehensive, current information on a wide variety of services and programs geared to the needs of the elderly, including home health agencies, adult day programs, senior housing options, transportation programs and many more. In recognition of the impact caregiving can have on health and well-being, ElderOnline provides information on caregiver support services, as well. ElderOnline information is also disseminated through more than 20 elder care community agencies working directly with the elderly and their families statewide.

New in 2007, RespiteOnline provides free online searches for respite care providers for both children and adults with disabilities or special needs. FWC developed this service with funding from the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council and the Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Information in both ElderOnline and RespiteOnline is continually updated to assure that families are getting the most helpful information.

For older adults living far from their children and grandchildren, ElderBuddy helps provide companionship to seniors living in local retirement communities. This “friendly visitor” program, created through a partnership with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, matches employee volunteers in one-on-one relationships with elderly residents with whom they visit and establish ongoing relationships. By providing a sense of social connectedness, the ElderBuddy Program enhances the quality of life, as well as the health and well-being of the older adults it serves. In addition, knowing that their loved one is receiving regular visits and attention from an ElderBuddy volunteer, allows caregivers to focus on their own needs.

The Family & Workplace Connection is a nonprofit regional dependent care resource and referral organization whose mission is to enhance the supply and quality of care and education for children and elders and to help families effectively manage their work and personal life responsibilities. To learn more about our organization, please visit us on the Web at www.familyandworkplace.org.

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