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Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent Family caregivers were appreciated at Penland Senior Center in Murphy on Nov. 17 with a home-cooked meal, ditty bag, available resources and a genuine “thank you.”
Murphy – November celebrates those taking care of loved ones experiencing difficult times.
On Nov. 17, the Cherokee County Department of Social Services, Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties and Penland Senior Center came together to show their appreciation for those who take care of sick or aging family members.
There are about 54 million unpaid family caregivers nationwide, according to Daunita Maennle, supervisor of adult protective services at DSS.
“If you don’t have a low enough income to qualify for Medicaid, then any help you need is going to have to come from family, friends or private pay. In our county, it’s very hard to find a trustworthy person that you feel like you can pay to be in your home,” she said.
“One of the saddest trends we’re seeing right now is that we’re getting more and more caregivers that are homeless people. They have found an elderly person that needs some help and they need a place to live.
“That’s really scary but people can’t afford $30 or $40 an hour. We feel really passionate about recognizing family caregivers,” Maennle said.
Taking care of a loved one can be difficult and often alters the caregiver’s life as well.
A home-cooked meal was prepared at the senior center by Jim Maennle, a caregiver himself. There were also resources as well as ditty bags that were given as a way to thank caregivers.
The main meal consisted of baked ham, pinto beans, corn bread and cole slaw. Dessert was a generous slice of white chocolate cheesecake.
Family caregivers are not alone. If a caregiver needs resources or help with obtaining supplies for their loved one, they can call DSS at 828-837-7455, Ext. 1219; or Reach at 828-837-2097.