Mental Health for Caregivers

The month of May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and Rales JFS wants to highlight an area that is too often overlooked-- the caregiver community. Established in 2014, The Rales JFS Caregivers and Respite Program allows individuals caring for a loved one a space to connect with others experiencing similar difficulties. Caregivers are not just paid nurses and professionals, they are me and you; friends and family. Caregivers are often untrained individuals who spend significant time tending to their loved one who may be sick, elderly or disabled. Serving as a caregiver is very demanding and many do not prioritize their own well-being when doing so.?

“Often times, we find that caregivers will begin to show signs of depression, anxiety, and fatigue or other health-related issues and often overlook these symptoms.” says Rales JFS Vice President of Senior Services, Alice Tennis, “In fact, sometimes caregivers pass away before the care receiver as they may disregard their own physical symptoms. Not only is every individual’s overall wellbeing important, but one must take care of their own health to be able to provide the best care to a loved one.”

To offer support, Rales JFS Senior Services offers a Caregiver Resources and Respite Program. These respite services give someone who provides primary care the opportunity to take a break while specially trained volunteers step in. In addition, the Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center, located at 7091 W. Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach provides seniors, whether alone or with their caregiver, a wide variety of?activities throughout the day, including art, yoga, meditation and other fun social and recreational activities, including those that promote self-care and support mental health. The Weisman Delray Community Center also offers behavioral health counseling on site.

Caregiver Resources and Respite Program Director, Alex Chernis, emphasizes the importance of caregivers prioritizing their own mental and physical healthcare needs. “It’s imperative that caregivers find resources and know where to access help before they become exhausted and overwhelmed. Too often we see caregivers wait so long to get help for themselves.”?He continued, “If I could offer one piece of advice for loved ones providing care it would be to focus on your health and take care of yourself too. Don’t put it off! Do something for yourself and know, Rales JFS is here for you!”

Contact us at 561-852-3333 or [email protected].