Eleven years ago, K’June and Brian Evans’ daughter, Ariell Green, had an asthma attack and was without oxygen for 25 minutes. They were afraid, but K’June knew Ariell would come through. And she did! The incident permanently changed their lives, however, and they transitioned from being just her parents to Ariell’s full-time caregivers. Thankfully, K’June found Easterseals Community Outreach program and their caregiver support group to help connect with others walking the same path.
“Anyone can get burned out from caregiving because there is no break,” K’June says. “Easterseals’ support group helps me keep my laughter. They are wonderful.”
K’June, of Wilmington, DE, participates in Easterseals’ caregiver support group twice a month. She has also taken advantage of the Resource and Technology Demonstration Center to find different types of assistive technology which can lessen the strain of caregiving on her life and help her daughter continue to be as independent as possible. She uses a gait belt to help Ariell walk with assistance. She also uses adaptive clothing recommended by Easterseals which makes it easier to get Ariell dressed each day.
“We don’t feel bad for ourselves. She is a miracle,” K’June says. “I get weary sometimes, but I can still talk to her. We laugh a lot in my house.”
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are more than 34 million family caregivers in the U.S. One of the greatest needs of these caregivers is respite or a temporary relief for caregivers and families who are caring for children or adults with disabilities, chronic or terminal illness, or the elderly.
“Easterseals gives me more than they know. I try to give back by bringing joy and laughter to the group. To see someone else receive joy is a blessing,” K’June says. “Easterseals calls to check in. It is a testament to how they care for those in the group. The support they give me gives me the extra umph to keep going.”
On August 28, K’June and other family caregivers will attend the ,14th Annual Easterseals Caregiver Conference, which is an ongoing partnership between Easterseals and the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities to address the growing needs of Delaware caregivers. This is a FREE event and will be held at the Star Campus in Newark and Harrington Fire Hall. Caregivers will also have an option to log in virtually. To register call 302-221-2087 or visit https://tinyurl.com/CaregiverRegistration24 .
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 .
Photo: K’June keeps her laughter while caring for her daughter Ariell thanks to Easterseals Caregiver Support Group
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