Respite Retreat for Caregivers in Broadus – Taking Care of YOU

By PR Extension Office

Caregiving can be very demanding, both physically and mentally. A respite retreat for caregivers is set for Thursday, October 5th, at the Senior Center in Broadus from 10 am to 3 pm. Presented by MSU Extension, the retreat will allow caregivers an opportunity to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities and spend a day prioritizing their well-being.

Caregivers take on many responsibilities and come in many different forms. A caregiver provides consistent care or assistance to any friend or family member who has health issues or a disability. In Montana, one in six adults are caregivers, and nearly fifty percent of caregivers have provided care for at least two years.

Caregivers assist with many needs of the individual they are caring for, including finances, household tasks, shopping, bathing, managing medications, and more. These individuals may be providing in-person care, but can also be assisting their friend or family member from a distance. Almost one-third of Montana caregivers provide care for at least twenty hours a week.

This amount of responsibility can cause many challenges for caregivers and can lead to health issues from stress such as depression and anxiety.

The upcoming respite retreat will allow caregivers in Broadus and the surrounding area to gather with those with similar experiences and take some time for themselves. There will be four areas of focus at the retreat – health and wellness, nutrition, relaxation, and social support.

The sponsors, MSU Extension, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and Montana Lifespan Respite, realize that it may be difficult for caregivers to take a whole day for themselves. To alleviate some of that stress, a $100 Visa gift card will be given to each participant, which can be used to assist in finding someone to care for their loved ones during the retreat. The retreat is free and lunch is provided.

For more information or to register, contact either the Powder River County MSU Extension Office at 406-436-2424 or Tammy at the Powder River Senior Center at 406-436-2635.