Reaching Out to Caregivers

Caregiver Bess Cherkas, seen here with her husband Nathan, receive a Caregiver Basket from MVES Case Manager Melissa Kennard.

Caregivers work hard year round to provide assistance to their loved ones. Devoting themselves physically and emotionally, caregivers take on enormous responsibility in bringing comfort to a friend or family member. MVES’ staff recognized some of these special caregivers by participating in the 3rd Annual MVES Caregiver Basket Project.

“The Caregiver Basket Project gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and thank caregivers for the efforts and sacrifices they make each day,” said MVES Caregiver Support Coordinator Kathy Learned. “These baskets not only help caregivers realize how much of a difference they’re making in the lives of others, but also bring attention to the importance of the caregiver program.”

The Family Caregiver Support Program provides support, assistance, resources, and information to caregivers. These services are provided at no cost to anyone in MVES’ service area who is caring for an adult age 60 or older or an adult of any age with Alzheimer's disease or a related memory disorder. MVES also provides assistance to individuals age 60 or older who are caring for an adult child with a developmental disability or a child under the age of 18.

Caregivers who received baskets were identified by MVES staff for their devotion and commitment to helping a loved one live safely in their own home. These caregivers are people who live with an elder and care for them 24 hours a day.

“Giving a basket to these caregivers lets them know that we understand and appreciate the tremendous amount of time and hard work they devote to their family member or loved one” said Learned. “The baskets truly brighten the caregiver’s day and brings recognition to efforts that often go unnoticed.”

During November, MVES staff delivered the baskets to caregivers. The baskets contained an assortment of gifts including baked goods, flowers, fruit, soup mix, and much more. Whether it was flowers to brighten up a room or soup mix to provide a night off from cooking, the baskets were intended to bring joy to the caregivers’ day.

The Caregiver Basket Project began in November 2002 in celebration of National Family Caregivers Month. Since that time, the number of baskets delivered to caregivers has increased significantly. Each year, National Family Caregivers Month seeks to raise awareness of the challenges caregivers face and the community programs that are available to assist family caregivers. The month’s events are designed to support and educate caregivers while thanking these individuals for dedicating their time to caring for a friend or loved one.

For more information on the caregiver support program at MVES, please call MVES at 781-324-7705 or request information here.