Nonprofit offering free help for home caregivers

EDINBURG — Free support is available to those who provide in-home care to loved ones suffering from chronic diseases and age-related illnesses, according to a local nonprofit organization.

“What we want to do here is to have a community full of healthy caregivers,” said Leticia Sanchez, caregiver specialist at Caregiver SOS, a nonprofit organization that opened its doors Tuesday in Hidalgo County. “Because if you do not take care of yourself, who is going to take care of your loved one?”

Caregiver SOS, 5401 S. McColl Road in Edinburg, provides free support and educational services to the family member, friend or neighbor who cares for people suffering from stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer or any illness related to aging, Sanchez said.

Because “isolation is the door to depression,” Sanchez said one important part of the program is the emphasis on getting home caregivers out of the house.

Caregiver SOS’s social calendar includes karaoke, bingo and breakfasts for Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving.

Education is also important.

“We teach people how to deal with whatever they are going through,” Sanchez said. “The reason for that is that the more you know about what your diagnosis is, the more you know how to overcome challenges of caregivers.

“That makes you a better caregiver; that makes you stronger and makes you healthier.”

The Caregiver SOS Hidalgo County office is funded by the WellMed Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Area Agency on Aging.

Sanchez is the only staff member, but the goals are accomplished with the help of volunteers.

“We are in desperate need of volunteers,” Sanchez said.

Those seeking support or wanting to volunteer are urged to call (956) 683-7180.

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Martha L. Hernández covers Health, Business and general assignments for The Monitor and El Nuevo Heraldo. You can reach her at (956) 683-4846.