Caregiving
Ann Gile, Aging and Caregiver Specialist—the Newest Member of PCOA’s Family Caregiver Support Team
Ann recently moved from Colorado Springs to Tucson and is acclimating to Tucson quite nicely (although, she has yet to experience a July in Arizona)! She brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and wisdom in serving older adults, and we are thrilled to introduce her as part of our caregiver support services! Ann is a National Certified Guardian and served in a court-appointed role of protecting and supporting persons who are incapacitated and in need of championing. “I love advocating for seniors and want them to be afforded all possible opportunities at living life to the fullest.” Ann also worked in assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in
supported employment, host homes, group homes and in independent living. In her spare time Ann likes to garden, hike and rock climb! PCOA’s Family Caregiver Support Team recognizes that caring for a loved one creates many challenges. Our goal is to decrease your stress by providing you with information and resources, facilitating individual and family conversations, suggesting respite options, and offering caregiver support groups. To be connected with a member of this remarkable team, simply call our Helpline at (520) 790-7262.
By Deb Seng , Director of Caregiving and Community Initiatives Help! My Loved One Isn’t Doing Well!
The Holidays are often a time for loved ones to gather, create memories, and share joy. But for many—especially long- distance caregivers—these gatherings reveal the realistic and often heartbreaking perspective that their loved one is experiencing significant decline, physically, cognitively, and/or emotionally. Perhaps you discovered that your Mom is struggling to do her laundry and has lost a lot of weight. Maybe you observed unexplained damage to your Dad’s car. Or maybe your most enduring friend seems strangely withdrawn and confused. These are signs that your loved one’s needs are changing as they age, and we are here to help! Typically in January, PCOA staff receive many calls from family members who spent time with loved ones in real—even desperate—need of assistance. And these caregivers sometimes feel helpless, embarrassed, or afraid. But there is support, information, and assistance available! Simply reach out to our Family Caregiver Support Team, by calling the PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262.
January 2023, Never Too Late | Page 9
Pima Council on Aging
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