Sheaffer: Caregivers

It's getting toward the end of the year--and I know you appreciate it when I point out the obvious.

This time, I want to look at a couple of different items: One a resource, and the other an opportunity. First, the resource.

Winter is definitely upon us, with wind, rain and cold driving a lot of us indoors as much as possible. For many people, indoors might be dryer, but not necessarily warmer. Heaters are on more, power bills climb, and sometimes tough decisions have to be made.

Do I build-up a power bill that might get too high? Or do I not use heaters, bundle up and (hopefully) still be able to afford my prescriptions, food, etc?

The resource is LIHEAP (low income home energy assistance program) and is coordinated through the Coastal Community Action Program. The program is pretty much what the name implies: assistance with heating costs.

Flyers have been distributed throughout the community and appointments are being scheduled. A direct quote from said flyer reads:

LIHEAP provides one time assistance to help income eligible households make home heating more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility services during the winter and maintain a warm and safe environment for people..

This is the kind of resource that make a huge difference to a lot of people. You can contact them online at www.coastalcap.org or call toll free at 1 800 828 4883.

And now, the opportunity. Many people in our communities need some assistance with getting through the day and there are also many people who help--known as caregivers. We have seen a marked increase in the number of people needing in-home services, and more caregivers are definitely needed.

Professional caregivers receive training and benefits provided by either the state or the home-care agency and can include paid training, vacation and in some cases, medical insurance.

There a couple different routes--working for an agency, or working as an individual provider. If you want to work in a situation where you're making a difference every day in someone's life, this could be your opportunity.

Home care agencies in our area--and with whom we have contracts--include Personal Service Providers, Coastal Community Action Program, Catholic Community Services and ResCare.

If interested in becoming an Individual Provider (IP), contact the Home Care Referral for an application: Sindy Theofelis, at 360 942 2177 or toll free at 888 571 6557.

And as mentioned earlier, training is paid for as is your time in training.

The need is there/here. So is your opportunity.

Information & Assistance

Long Beach: (360) 642-3634/(888) 571-6558

Raymond: (360) 942-2177/(888) 571-6557

www.o3a.org