November is National Caregivers Month. In Rock County we can be proud of the excellent care-giving facilities and workers we have available. It is not everyone’s strong point to be a caregiver, so we commend those who are willing and able and who so capably care for us and those we love when we need them.To assist in the care-giving needs in Rock County, our county RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has organized a new Respite Care Program in the past year. We have trained volunteers who are available to stay with a care-receiver, to relieve the caregiver for a short time (2 to 3 hours weekly), during a weekday, so the caregiver can get out of the home for a break. This would allow the caregiver to go for a cup of coffee with a friend, get a haircut/groceries, attend a church meeting, get in an hour of fishing or whatever it is that would give the caregiver some free time away from the care-giving situation. Our volunteers are not certified to do any professional health care but are prepared to visit and/or do a meaningful activity for a short time with the care-receiver in the absence of the regular caregiver. The Respite Volunteers have had background checks, and we will make a home visit to find out the interests of the care-receiver to help us decide who would be the best fit for this assignment. We try to place a volunteer who has similar interests and may even be a friend or acquaintance of the care-receiver. For more information, contact RSVP at 283-5064, or write to RSVP-Respite Care, 319 E. Lincoln, Luverne, MN 56156, or rsvp.luverne@co.rock.mn.usAgain — Thanks to all our Rock County Caregivers. You are appreciated!Greta VanDer BrinkRock Co. RSVP CoordinatorLuverne
