THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 20, 2020 Page 7 Life changes drastically when one becomes a family caregiver N ational Family Caregivers Month – held each November – provides the ideal opportunity to celebrate family caregivers while shining a spotlight on the myriad challenges they face and the various resources available to support them. This year’s theme, “Caregiving Around the Clock,” is evidence that for many family caregivers providing care to a loved one is a 24/7 responsibility. “Family caregivers are the backbone of care that is needed for elders at home, especially those with dementia,” said Caregiver Support Coordinator Kathy Learned of Mystic Valley Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Brad Dickerson. “Dr. Dickerson has been wonderful to our family so when he recommended MVES, we knew we would be in excellent hands,” said Pam. Pam and Learned point out that life changes drastically when one becomes a family caregiver. Even getting a haircut requires coordination with a relative or private duty aide who can step in to help. Caregivers’ own needs often get put on the backburner when they are caring physically and emotionally for a loved one. “From the moment we met Kathy Learned when she came to our home two years ago to takes a comprehensive and individualized approach when it comes to evaluating consumers’ needs. For the Corollas, this meant, in addition to support groups and the day program, help finding private duty assistance and adaptive home equipment, such as bed rails and a shower chair. “No two caregiver situations are exactly the same,” says Learned. “We address each situation differently to ensure families’ unique needs are met.” “My advice to other family caregivers is to reach out to MVES or your local elder services agency sooner rather than later. Truly amazing help is there and it will be better for both you and your partner to access this support,” Pam said. MVES off ers a wide range of accessible and aff ordable caregiver services through its Family Caregiver Support Program, such as one-on-one assistance, family meetings, community resources and caregiver and peer support groups. To learn more, visit the website mves.org or call 781-324-7705. Pam and Paul Corolla of Medford celebrated Pam’s birthday with their fi ve granddaughters. (Photo Courtesy of Mystic Valley Elder Services) Elder Services (MVES). “They are integral to keeping their loved ones living safely in the community but do not need to go it alone. We understand the stress, exhaustion and being overwhelmed that family caregivers often feel, and we are just a phone call away.” Pam Corolla of Medford became a family caregiver for her husband of 53 years, Paul, when he was diagnosed with frontotemporal lobe dementia in 2017. The proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to fi ve granddaughters, Pam and Paul have been residents of Medford for more than 50 years and benefi t from having their daughter and her family living next door. Pam said she was directed to MVES by Paul’s neurologist at evaluate our needs, we felt supported and understood,” said Pam. “She is so knowledgeable and immediately connected us with valuable resources and services, especially an adult day health program right in our own community – Community Family.” Dr. Dickerson echoed Learned’s recommendation of the day program, where Paul now goes three days a week. Pam also began taking part in regular caregiver support groups facilitated by MVES, which now meet virtually due to the pandemic. According to Pam, the support groups have been invaluable and have helped her form friendships with others facing similar challenges. According to Learned, MVES
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