E-Edition

Go
  • News
  • Opinion
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Editorials
    • Another Look
    • Anderson-Clark Opinion Exchange
    • Publisher’s Perspective
  • Lifestyle
  • People Notices
    • Obituaries
    • Weddings
    • LDS Missions
    • Births
    • More People Notices
    • How to place an announcement in the newspaper
  • School
  • Sports
  • Sanpete Happenings
  • About
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • News
  • Opinion
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Editorials
    • Another Look
    • Anderson-Clark Opinion Exchange
    • Publisher’s Perspective
  • Lifestyle
  • People Notices
    • Obituaries
    • Weddings
    • LDS Missions
    • Births
    • More People Notices
    • How to place an announcement in the newspaper
  • School
  • Sports
  • Sanpete Happenings
  • About
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • News
  • Opinion
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Editorials
    • Another Look
    • Anderson-Clark Opinion Exchange
    • Publisher’s Perspective
  • Lifestyle
  • People Notices
    • Obituaries
    • Weddings
    • LDS Missions
    • Births
    • More People Notices
    • How to place an announcement in the newspaper
  • School
  • Sports
  • Sanpete Happenings
  • About
  • Subscribe
Home News

Dementia survey shows resources scarce in rural areas

Alexandrea BonillabyAlexandrea Bonilla
07/12/2022
Reading Time: 2 mins read

            RICHFIELD— Results of a survey sent out in March by the Six County Area Agency on Aging revealed that fewer services and resources are available for caregivers and care recipients in rural areas than in urban areas.

Maria Ricks

            The survey, conducted by Maria Ricks of Fairview, who earned her master’s degree in gerontology at the University of Utah, was used to identify what information, resources and education are needed to improve the services of the Agency on Aging.

            One outgrowth of the survey is a plan to create a Caregiver Advisory Council. The council will be made up of community members invested in supporting caregivers, including representatives from healthcare, assisted living homes, home hospice services and caregivers themselves.

            “Having a Caregiver Advisory Council would increase outreach and provide crucial information, training, and education related to caregiving and the caregiver role,” said Brock Jackson, director of the aging agency.

            In addition to creating the council, the Area Agency on Aging is forming a class on “Dealing with Dementia” as well as a caregiver class. The classes will be accessible to caregivers who cannot leave their loved ones or have limited access to internet.

            Ricks said the results of her survey show that care recipients often cannot pay for services, don’t know where to turn for help, have transportation issues and need emotional support.

            The survey was completed by 85 self-identified caregivers with the majority being white, married, female and between the ages of 65 and 74. The care recipients were majority white, married, male and between the ages of 75 and 84.

            Since the caregivers are similar in age to the care recipients, both could potentially be dealing with health issues as they age, according to Ricks.

            “The survey revealed many caregivers are embarrassed or ashamed that their loved ones have cognitive issues, or that they struggle to care for their own needs,” Ricks said.

            “Breaking the stigma of Alzheimer’s Disease is crucial for people reaching out and seeking help. This can be done by openly talking about issues of dementia and dealing with difficult behaviors online, in caregiver classes or publica- tions.”

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Tags: Richfield
Previous Post

Lamb Days marshal has called Fountain Green home for 60 years

Next Post

USDA Rural Development loans $3.3M to recreational development near Spring City

Alexandrea Bonilla

Alexandrea Bonilla

Next Post

USDA Rural Development loans $3.3M to recreational development near Spring City

Gunnison Valley Hospital Births

About The Messenger

  • Staff/Contact Us

Links

  • Sanpete County Telephone Directory
  • Subscribe
  • E-Edition

Special Publications

  • Celebrating the Seasons Magazine
  • 2020 Election Guide
  • Home & Garden Guide
  • High School Sports Guides
  • 35 S. Main Street
    Manti, Utah 84642
  • (435) 835-NEWS
  • news@sanpetemessenger.com

© Copyright 2021 Sanpete Messenger| Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Gunnison Valley Gazette
Archive & Photo Galleries
Access The E-Edition