ONTARIO — Becky and Albert Roggio have taken the “in-sickness-and-in-health” vow seriously.
The couple, a retired nurse and retired educator, have been married for 53 years. For the last 20, Albert has lived with Parkinson’s disease. Becky cares for him full-time.
“We exercise together every day and we come here to the Area Agency every Tuesday and Thursday for the meals and all the activities,” Becky said.
“We like to meet other people that are our age, that have similar interests and same concerns. We really appreciate the Area Agency, they’ve done a lot for us.”
The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging hosted its annual caregiver appreciation event Wednesday. The free event provided resources, crafts and self-care strategies, plus lunch and entertainment from Fusion Marketing Group. It was open to both caregivers and their loved ones.
“Today was an opportunity to relax, have a little bit of fun, to get (caregivers) away from that role and celebrate their work they do, but also connect them with a lot of different resources,” said Trae Turner, the AAA5’s chief of community living.
Caregiving by the numbers
One estimate found that approximately 1 in 6 adults in Ohio are family caregivers — meaning they provide care to an adult with a chronic, disabling or serious health condition.
AARP esteemed at that in 2021, these Ohioans provided $21 billion worth of care — or 1.37 billion hours of care.
Nationwide, AARP estimates that about 60 percent of caregivers work a full or part-time job on top of caregiving duties. These caregivers are often part of the “sandwich” generation — meaning they are caring for both children and elderly parents.
Sharon Cooper smiled as she glued colorful decals on to a spiral notebook. For the last five years, she’s been a full-time caregiver for her grandson, who has Down syndrome.
Cooper and her 26-year-old grandson enjoy playing games and doing puzzles together. She said the best part of caring for him is the big hugs and thank-yous she receives.
But caregiving has its challenging moments too, which is why events like Wednesday’s are important.
“Just seeing other people,” Cooper said, when asked what her favorite part was. “I enjoy having free time and this was free time for me.”
Becky said she also had a lot of fun at the event, but she also got some helpful information.
“I don’t get out much except to come here and go to church,” Becky said. “I learned today that there can be some help for me. If I need to get out to go to the dentist or something. There’s some resources to help me.”
Some of the resources highlighted at the event were:
- Companion Care: Caregivers who need time for medical appointments, self-care or social activities may be bale to receive help through this program. The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging may be able to support caregivers by providing in-home companionship to stay with their friends or loved ones when they need a break. Caregivers of any age are eligible if the person they are caring for is 60 or older. For more information or to make a referral, call 419-524-4144.
- In-patient Caregiver Respite: This program provides caregivers of any age the opportunity to take a much-needed break while ensuring their loved one is in safe, professional hands. A short-term respite stay can occur at an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. Individuals receiving care must be 60 years old or older. Individuals are approved for a specific number of in-patient day based on provider and funding availability. For more information or to make a referral, call: 419-524-4144.
- Long-term care ombudsmen advocate for people receiving home care, assisted living and nursing home care. Volunteers and paid staff work to resolve complaints about services, help people select a provider and offer information about consumer rights. Ombudsman representatives work with providers, residents, their families and other representatives to resolve problems and concerns related to care. They can also provide information and assistance with benefits and insurance.
For more information on resources for caregivers and older adults, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 419-524-4144.
