Southwestern offers respite care forum in Curry County

Southwestern Oregon Community College will be offering a community forum sponsored by the CAREgiver Support Group to discuss respite care for families and care partners at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4, at the Driftwood Estates Clubhouse, 16063 Driftwood Lane, in Harbor.

Liz Cohen, parent and provider specialist for Southwestern CARE Connections, will offer information about the National Lifespan Respite Care Act and the Lifespan Respite Network. Family caregivers, agency partners and community members are invited to discuss local respite resources and family needs.

Respite care is temporary, short-term care for an individual with special needs, such as developmental and physical disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, chronic illnesses, Alzheimer’s disease and related health concerns, medical fragility and those at risk of abuse and neglect. The primary purpose of respite care is to give relief to families and caregivers from the extraordinary and intensive demands of providing ongoing care. Respite strengthens the ability of families and primary caregivers to continue providing care in the home. Occasional relief supports family stability and well-being by reducing stress, preventing abuse and neglect and enhancing family preservation.

The involvement of family and community partners is considered crucial for the success of local lifespan respite care networks throughout Oregon. Feedback from the discussion of local respite care needs at the CAREgiver Support group meeting will be presented to the Lifespan Respite Advisory Committee at their upcoming quarterly meeting in Gold Beach on Feb. 20. According to Cohen, the Lifespan Respite Advisory Committee for Coos and Curry counties currently is seeking new members, as well as community and family input, to help improve availability and affordability of respite care in Coos and Curry counties.

For more information about the community forum on respite care or the Lifespan Respite Advisory Committee meeting, those interested can call Cohen at CARE Connections at (541) 469-9299, ext. 9299, or (541) 469-7530.

Press Release Date: January 25, 2007