Department of Aging Releases Video on Lowering Caregiver Stress for National Family Caregivers Month
Harrisburg – Secretary of Aging Brian Duke today announced the launch of a free video entitled, “Practical Strategies for Lowering Caregiver Stress.” The video was produced by the Department of Aging as part of their caregiver educational series and in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month in Pennsylvania.
The video features Dr. Steven H. Zarit, a distinguished professor and head of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State University, as well as renowned researcher in caregiving. In the video, Zarit provides information about how to effectively manage stress for caregivers and how to care for a loved one with memory loss.
“National Family Caregivers Month is a time to reach out and show special appreciation to those who provide support for a loved one,” Duke said. “As a way of giving thanks to caregivers, our department has developed this video with our esteemed associate Dr. Zarit to offer tips and strategies on lowering the stress associated with caregiving.”
A caregiver is someone who provides unpaid care to an elderly relative, friend, grandchild or a relative between the ages of 19-59 with a disability.
The Department of Aging’s Caregiver Support Program provides assistance to caregivers so they may better care for their loved ones. The program offers information, respite care, training in caregiving skills, assistance with home modifications, and financial assistance for some out-of-pocket expenses. The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program is administered through local Area Agencies on Aging.
The video “Practical Strategies for Lowering Caregiver Stress” can be found at www.youtube.com/PADepartmentofAging.
For more information about the PA Caregiver Support Program or other caregiving resources, email ra-pacaregiver@pa.gov or visit www.aging.state.pa.us.