Caregivers — those who carry the primary responsibility of caring for a seriously ill spouse, parent or friend — are often on call 24/7. According to AARP, “Today, one in five Americans are caregivers. This totals an estimated 53 million adults in the United States, up from the estimated 43.5 million caregivers in 2015.”
The job can be exhausting and overwhelming.
The good news? In America, many people are living longer. The bad news? As these adults enter their 80s and 90s, they frequently require critical care so that they can live out their last years at home, not a care facility.
It is likely that a parent or partner could be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, or at the very least, require in-home care with daily functions. These tasks often fall to unpaid family members or friends, whose own health frequently takes a toll from the constant physical and emotional demands of caregiving.
Often, when a family or friend experiences a medical crisis, a family member or friend willingly accepts the role of caregiver with little knowledge of what will be required of them. By nature, caregivers are wonderfully giving people, but they often lack an understanding of the long-term medical and legal steps that lie ahead for both the caregiver and the ill care partner.
To help fill this critical gap, Western Nevada College is pleased to partner with Dr. Deb Cash to present a community education course titled “Mapping Out Caregiving.” This 3-hour class will be offered on the college’s Carson City campus on Feb. 8 and May 2.
“This class is an example of the importance of our Continuing Education program, educating community members in critical areas that can be overwhelming for their families if they aren’t prepared for it,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.
While no one can predict what caregivers will experience, this class prepares caregivers and their families for what lies ahead for them in their caregiving journey. To register, call (775) 445-4210 or visit wnc.edu/continuing-education/personal-interest.
ABOUT WNC
Since 1971, Western Nevada College has helped students embark on the road to success by preparing them for a variety of careers through associate and bachelor degree programs, industry certifications and workforce training. WNC offers exemplary academics, affordability and student satisfaction. Many Western grads become leaders in their communities and excel in their professions. Through multiple campuses, resource and learning centers, cohorts and robust online offerings, Western is able to meet many students’ needs, whether they are residing in remote parts of Nevada or trying to fit in their education while raising a family. To learn more about WNC, visit wnc.edu or phone 775-445-3000.
