This month on The Local Take, we are talking about the 53 million people in the United States who are also CAREGIVERS. Most often, this work falls to children of seniors who are aging in place in their homes, at assisted living facilities, or living with family. Some have cognitive, physical, or other challenges that limit their independence. For many families, this involves caring for seniors while still raising children. We are hosting our first CARGIVERS Relax event on Thursday, August 14th, at Porter Sanford Performing Arts & Community Center from 11AM - 2PM.
Susan McGhee-Crawford, owner of Academy of the Arts Dance Studio, joins us today to speak about the rewards and challenges she faces as an entrepreneur, wife, mother, and caregiver.
I asked McGee to share how she became a CAREGIVER. She speaks about the year both of her parents were hospitalized. She lost her father, and soon after, became the primary caregiver for her mom.
McGee speaks about the challenges she faces as a caregiver while balancing the rest of her life and relationships with her son and husband. She speaks about the challenge of finding transportation, eating healthy, and finding someone who can “just sit with her” Mom when she is busy.
The Academy of the Arts will provide entertainment for elders at CARGEIVERS Relax, so that caregivers can safely engage with service providers and pampering stations. McGee will provide chair yoga and line dancing. She also speaks about the need for caregivers to use exercise as a way to release stress. They offer morning ZUMBA classes that provide stretching and cardio.
For more information on the Academy of the Arts