(NAPSA)—More than one quarter of the adult population has provided care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family memberor friend during the past year. Based on current census CARING TO HELP OTHERS A Training Manualfor Preparing Volunteers Coa @eeeOlea data, that translates into more than 54 million people. As the population ages, millions more will need care. Heavy-duty caregivers, espe- cially spousal caregivers, do not get consistent help from other family members. One study has shown that as many as threefourths of these caregivers are “going it alone.” In response to America’s rapidly growing need to support caregivers, Eisai Inc., a U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd. of Japan, developed Caring to Help Others. This community-based program is designed to prepare volunteers to moreeffectively assist chronically ill older adults, their primary caregivers and families. “Family caregivers often balance full-time jobs while devoting dozens of hours every week to care for older family members,” said Bill Sheldon, president and COO of Eisai Inc. “By helping community organizations enhance or create volunteer caregiver programs, we can increase the pool of caregivers in communities to improve the quality of care for older adults— and thelivesof their families.” The manual addresses the aging process; the need for sensitivity and respect for the patient; the responsibilities of a volunteer caregiver; and help in dealing with relationships and loss. Additionally, the manual provides handouts By 2030, some 21 million elderly people may need help with activity limitations. This program may help. for volunteers, role-play training exercises and resource directories. Nonprofit organizations involved in the manual’s creation include AARP, Alzheimer’s Association-Greater New Jersey Chapter, Hospice Association of America, Interfaith Caregivers Alliance, National Alliance for Caregiving, National Association for Home Care, The National Council on the Aging, National Family Caregivers Association and Towson University’s Department of Gerontology. The manualis available freeof-charge to qualified nonprofit organizations with programsfor volunteer caregiver training or plans to begin one. Visit www.eisai.com to download a copy of the manual. For hard copies, organizations can write to Caring to Help Others, P.O. Box 212, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660.
