A Jacksonville agency is lending a helping hand to caregivers around the community.
Debbie Deopere with the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland spoke with Gary Scott on WLDS’ “AM-Conversation” this week to promote caregiver education.
A “Lunch and Learn” will offer a free meal and education for caregivers over the noon hour.
“Caregivers are often wearing so many hats and trying to balance their lives. This allows this to get some lunch and receive some information that can be useful to them on the journey they are making with a loved one,” says Deopere.
Deopere says the “Lunch and Learn” will focus on two types of caregivers.
“We have caregivers that are caring for an elder that are older than 60. These are the informal caregivers that aren’t getting paid. They are friends and family. The other group of caregivers are relatives that are raising children,” says Deopere.
Approximately 120,000 children in Illinois are being raised by a relative caregiver. Lori Manker, a Morgan County resident and caregiver specialist, is the lead speaker.
The event will be run at Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living on Wednesday. To preregister call 787-9234.