Letter from Kelly McGraw

Honor, Support for Caregivers

November is National Family Caregivers Month, an opportunity to recognize the more than 63 million Americans (nearly one in four adults) who provide unpaid care for loved ones, often while balancing jobs (nearly 60 percent), families and their own well-being. Caregivers are the quiet backbone of our communities, offering compassion, patience and strength every day.

To bring awareness to their challenges and triumphs, two local screenings of “Caregiving,” the PBS documentary executive produced by Bradley Cooper, will be held in Otsego County. The film shares powerful real-life stories that illuminate both the struggles and rewards of caregiving in America today. Screenings will take place on Thursday, November 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center (The Loft) in Oneonta, and on Thursday, November 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Willis Center at Pathfinder Village in Edmeston. Light refreshments will be served and a short discussion will follow.

Helios Care joins the Alzheimer’s Association, Pathfinder Village, and the Otsego County Office for the Aging in supporting these events. Following the film, representatives from each organization will share local resources available to help caregivers find education, emotional support and practical assistance.

The screenings are free and open to the public. For those unable to attend, our organizations are available to provide caregiver education and support at any time.

This is a topic that touches everyone. Let’s take time in November to honor and support those who care so selflessly for others.

Kelly McGraw
Helios Care
Oneonta