PAXTON — The Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department continues to offer a program to help take some of the stress, strain and confusion out of caregiving.

The Caregiver Advisory Services Program is funded through a grant from East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging.  The objective of the program is to help reduce the strain of caregiving by providing support and educational programs for caregivers. 

“We have a caregiver support group that meets every month,” said Marcia Peznowski, caregiver advisor for the agency. “One neat thing about the program is that respite services are available for the family so that the caregiver is free to attend the program. There is no charge for the service; however, we do except donations.”
Peznowski said many caregivers feel alone, isolated and frustrated with some of the situations they face as caregivers. 

“It is very helpful to listen to other people who have experienced the same difficulties as a caregiver that you have,” she said. “We have established a support team that helps provide caregivers with information regarding legal, financial, medical and counseling services.  Educational trainings and support group meetings are held at the health department offices in Paxton or Watseka.”

As caregiver advisor, Peznowski is responsible for meeting with each caregiver individually, preparing a plan of care, and securing services for the caregiver and care receiver as needed.  Peznowski said all information shared by the caregiver or family is confidential. 

“Caregivers may participate at their own comfort level. We don’t want to add any stress to an individual who is already stretched to the limit. Our job is to make the job as caregiver easier by providing support and knowledge,” Peznowski said.

Referrals to the program are accepted from social service agencies, businesses, schools, concerned citizens or a caregiver may call on their own. 

For more information, call the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department at 815-432-2483 or 800-282-3339.