United Way Caregivers Coalition seeking caregivers’ input

NEWTON – United Way of Northern New Jersey wants to hear from area caregivers as the formation of a United Way Caregivers Coalition in Sussex County is taking shape. United Way has scheduled five Caregiver Listening Sessions to hear about the kinds of resources and services local residents would find helpful in their role as unpaid caregivers for a loved one who is living with a disability, suffering from a chronic condition, dealing with a physical or mental illness, or facing issues of aging. United Way is seeking input on the types of challenges and gaps in services caregivers face in the community in order to help guide the work of the Coalition. United Way Caregivers Coalition launched in Sussex County earlier this year when United Way mobilized a group of care providers, government agencies, community members, and caregivers to form this community-based coalition designed to provide resources, services, and education that can lead to better care for area caregivers. United Way is building these partnerships in Sussex County to address a growing public health crisis in our community, as many caregivers are not taking care of their own physical, emotional and financial health. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 67.5 million people in the U.S. care for a parent, a spouse, a child, or a sibling who is aging, or living with a disability, a chronic illness or a mental illness. In Sussex County, the number of unpaid family caregivers is estimated to be 32,000 area residents. United Way Caregivers Coalition works to ensure that these residents have access to the resources, services, education, and other support needed to sustain them in this caregiving role. All caregivers are welcome to attend one of the Listening Sessions. For more information or to register, email Mary Emilius at Mary.Emilius@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973-579-3040.