LA MESA, Calif. — San Diego County estimates there are 46,000 caregivers in the region. As the number of memory loss patients grows the need for caregivers will too.
Senior Helpers in East County honored its caregivers with a party and an award for Caregiver of the Year on Thursday.
Susan Mars has been a caretaker for 24 years. She followed in her mom’s footsteps and now they work at Lantern Crest Senior Living in Santee.
“I’m just like her and that I needed to do it,” said Mars.
That compassion often leads to caregivers not caring for themselves.
Seniorly, an advocate for the aging, reports that 58% of family caregivers report extreme stress, 47% less sleep, and 43% feel isolated.
“Make sure you have someone to talk to. Other caregivers are amazing, make caregiver friends,” said Mars.
“It’s usually for me is when I have issues with my health. That’s when I start going, ‘Ok, I have to take care of people why can’t I take care of myself?’” said Mars.
Susan's selflessness is being recognized at Senior Helpers East County.
“This is our very first caregiver of the year award that we are giving to Susan,” said Amy Duell, Senior Helpers.
Duell is the caregiver services manager and is passionate about caregiving. She got emotional as she described Susan as remarkable.
“I know what it’s like to be a caregiver and I know that a lot of times caregivers don’t get that acknowledgment that they deserve,” said Duell.
Duell was her late son’s caregiver. Kendriel was born with cerebral palsy and died at age 9. For the past 31 years, Duell has continued to care for caregivers and herself.
“Everybody cannot be a caregiver, it takes a true genuine person with a big heart and compassion and kindness, and the love for seniors,” said Duell.
And caretakers deserve the reminder to take care of others they need to take care of themselves.
“I feel whole when I take care of people, it makes me happy. I like going home and knowing that I made someone happy,” said Mars.
If you are interested in caregiving and caregiving support in your area visit Senior Helpers website.
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