Arc looks for volunteer caregivers

Published: March 11, 2010

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To the editor: "Top notch families wanted to befriend and nurture individuals with developmental disabilities who live on their own in our communities. If you and your family can help, please call the Arc, Susquehanna Valley at 286-1008 to volunteer."

You may have noticed this ad in the "Volunteer/Nonprofit" section of The News-Item classifieds and wondered what it is all about. Here is the story. The Arc, Susquehanna Valley, has announced that it is developing a new program in Northumberland County called "Respite from Self-Care." The Arc, a 60-year-old organization that works with the developmental disability community, is creating this program for the 40 developmentally disabled people in Northumberland County who live by themselves with no live-in caregivers or family members. And like many people who live alone, they are generally happy that way. But they could use some support.

If these individuals were living with caregivers, they would be entitled to respite care. Respite care has existed for many years as a service provided to the families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Respite services provides temporary care to the disabled individual and allows families to take care of the routine business of shopping, banking, etc. or spending time with other members of the family or even just catching up on some sleep. It is a very valuable service, and has allowed many people to continue to live at home or in the community, despite their need for constant care.

Because respite is considered a service for the caregiver, not enough attention has been paid to its benefits to the disabled individual. Individuals may do things with respite families that they don't usually do, like bowling or fishing or some other activity. Individuals may get to go to places or events that they don't usually attend, like camps or high school basketball games. But mostly, individuals have more people in their lives whom they know and trust. With respite from self-care, disabled individuals who live alone in the community can have all these advantages.

The Arc is looking for families that would like to include a person with developmentally disabilities in their lives. Individuals are living in communities all over Northumberland County, including right around Shamokin. We are happy to consider single individuals, couples, friends and whole families.

If you would like to participate in the life of a wonderful independent-living developmentally disabled person, please call the Arc at 286-1008 to volunteer. The Arc is hoping to show the value of this service so that in the future respite families may be compensated.

Gail Leightley

Executive director

The Arc, Susquehanna Valley

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