Haley’s Story: Another Resource for Senior Caregivers
Editor’s Note: Each month, Haley Gray, author and senior advocate, shares stories and expertise about her personal experiences of finding care for aging parents to help provide comfort and guidance for those who are in similar situations.
Cary, NC — Today, I’d like to tell you about a wonderful organization right here in our own backyard: Transitions GuidingLights, a Raleigh-based organization founded in 2010 to provide support for both family members and professional caregivers in our area.
Transitions GuidingLights
Often, family and professional caregivers work in harmony to provide the support loved ones need. So, this organization’s idea of supporting both is very forward-thinking.
The Transitions GuidingLights’ mission states:
It is our goal to have the very best resources and means of support for all local family and professional caregivers, that we might maximally diminish the fear, doubt, and overwhelming stress that accompany this very important aspect of family life. Most services provided are of no charge to the caregiver, and each referred organization has been assessed and evaluated before they are recommended to caregivers.
Support Services
The list of support services offered on their website is amazingly comprehensive. Caregivers can find out about the Caring Connections radio show, dementia training, information and referrals, seminars, support groups and much more.
When family members are faced with being responsible for caregiving, it can be overwhelming or lonely. Those feelings can be felt by both new and more experienced caregivers.
In this case, having a resource like Transitions GuidingLights to turn to for information and support can be invaluable. They represent an oasis of comfort and relief. It’s like having a friend who has already traveled down this road to help guide and mentor you on your journey.
Triangle Caregivers Conference – June 16
In June, the organization will co-host its annual Triangle Caregivers Conference in partnership with Transitions LifeCare and Alzheimers North Carolina. In a day-long seminar, caregivers will have the opportunity to learn about practical solutions to the challenges they face.
Conference dates include:
- June 16, 2015, McKimmon Center, Raleigh, NC
- June 25, 2015, Durham Convention Center, Durham, NC
The registration cost for family caregivers is only $10, which includes lunch. Professional caregivers can attend for $50 and earn NC-DHSR approved CEUs.
Sessions will cover topics such as pain management, legal information, adapting the home, caring for the caregiver and Alzheimer’s disease. Conference promotional sponsors include the ALS Association, the American Cancer Society, American Heart/American Stroke Association, the Arthritis Foundation, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Visit The Triangle Caregivers Conference website at www.trianglecaregiversconference.org to learn more and to register.
Learn More About Transitions GuidingLights
Transitions GuidingLights is truly a great opportunity for caregivers to find respite, resolution and resources. If you are in the position of providing care for a loved one or are considering care options for yourself, contact Transitions GuidingLights or call 919-371-2062.
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Story contributed by Haley Gray, MBA, CSA, CEO of Extension of You Home Care and author of Choosing a Caregiver: Expect the Best and Know How to Ask for It.
Read more of Haley’s stories.
