Caregivers Become the Focus of Care at Senior Services Event

Norfolk, VA, April 25, 2024 – Who takes care of the caregivers? Next Wednesday, it’s Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia at their Caregiver Appreciation Day. The organization is hosting a day of respite at Norfolk Botanical Gardens for the hard-working caregivers of older adults.

According to a report by the AARP Public Policy Institute, 980,000 family caregivers in Virginia provided 920 million hours of unpaid care for their loved ones in 2021. The value of their labor was estimated to be $14.3 billion.

“In our work every day, we see the often invisible labor of dedicated caregivers. They provide an enormous service not only to their loved ones, but to the community as a whole,” said Steve Zollos, CEO of Senior Services.

The event will include breakfast and lunch, gifts, activities, and a raffle. An expert panel will answer questions about elder law, and Dr. Aaron Blight, author of When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative, will deliver the keynote speech.

While caregivers enjoy the event, their loved ones will be cared for on-site by the professionals from Primeplus Senior Centers. “The stress of caregiving cannot be underestimated,” said Zollos. “We owe it to caregivers to provide opportunities to rest, recharge, and have fun. This is a day just for them.”

Resource specialists at Senior Services connect caregivers with support services year-round to help them better care for their loved ones, decrease caregiver stress, and maintain the best possible quality of life for all involved. They can be reached at 757-461-9481.

Next week’s event is fully booked, but Senior Services is planning another Caregiver Appreciation Day this fall. Follow Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia on Facebook or join their email subscription list at www.ssseva.org/subscribe for future details.
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Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the older adults and caregivers of South Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater. With more than 50 years of service, Senior Services is a one-stop shop for programs and services that keep older adults healthy, active, and engaged. For more information, visit www.ssseva.org or call 757-461-9481.