Like so many people, Ashley Knight, of Rehoboth Beach, is part of what is known as the “sandwich generation” as a full time caregiver to her mom and a parent. She has been caring for her mom, Litenia “Tina” Knight, since she had a heart attack several years ago. Thankfully, she is not traveling this journey alone, she has Easterseals services by her side.

“I don’t know where we would be without Easterseals and their many programs which are so essential to our family,” Ashley says. “Because of Easterseals, my mom is able to continue to live independently and I am able to provide the care she needs.”

November is National Family Caregivers month. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are more than 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the U.S. One of the greatest needs of these caregivers is information about services and programs in their community which may be helpful to them as a caregiver for children or adults with disabilities, chronic or terminal illness, or the elderly.

While Tina is enjoying painting, dancing, companionship, exercising and other arts & crafts projects five days a week in the day program, Ashley is able to take online college classes, run errands, go to doctor’s appointments and care for her son.

“Because of Easterseals my mother can continue to be a “social butterfly” in their adult day program, where she can feel right at home and be a part of a family! I am thankful for Easterseals because they give me peace of mind that she is in good hands there,” Ashley says.

Caregiving is rewarding, but can be an exhausting job, especially when the caregiver does not get time to recharge. Respite is an option through Easterseals respite programs, which provide funds to support family caregivers providing care to a person of any age or disability, to take a temporary break from caregiving. Ashley takes advantage of Easterseals respite program so she can care for herself. Since she is unable to work a typical job because of caregiving responsibilities, she also relies on Easterseals Personal Attendant Services so she can focus on caring for her mom and son and get paid to do it.

Because of Easterseals respite care I am able to take care of my son who has medical needs and have the time to care for myself. Self-care is so important for my mental health,” Ashley says. “While she is in the program enjoying activities I am able to recharge. Like I always say, “You cannot pour from an empty cup” and because of Easterseals I am able to “refill” my cup!

For more information, contact Easterseals Caregiver Resource Center at 302-221-2087 or resources@esdel.org. The Caregiver Resource Center and Lifespan Respite programs are partially funded by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Title III-E of the Older Americans Act. 

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is leading the way to an inclusive community through its innovative services, which include: children’s therapies, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, supported employment, senior services, recreational camping, respite services, and services for caregivers. To learn more about Easterseals, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.

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Easterseals supports caregivers, like Ashley Knight who cares for her mom, Tina Knight, so they can rejuvenate and avoid caregiver burnout # # #