SYLACAUGA — The idea came to Troy and Glenda Smithwick and John and DeAnn Floyd not too long ago, after they had parents in the hospital at the same time.“We couldn’t be the only two families in our area in that situation,” said John Floyd. “We thought there’s got to be other people that have the same feelings.”
Those feelings were a little nervousness, fear and worry – the same emotions anyone caring for an elderly parent can relate to. And so the couples began brainstorming about forming a support system for themselves and others like them, a group made up of people in the area who are caretakers for their elderly parents or family members.
The group is still in its formative stages, but is now officially known as “Circle of Care.” Both couples are working with Coosa Valley Medical Center to bring this support circle to the community and those who need it.
In a sketched out plan, the group will work as a partnership and friendship between its members.
Someone who cares for their elderly father or mother might want to get away for the weekend, but they are afraid to leave their parent with no one around. A fellow group member would either phone or drop by to check on the relative and make sure they are OK while the caregiver is out of town.
Or if a couple is several hours away on a business or vacation trip and their elderly parent has an emergency, a fellow group member would go to the person’s home and help with the situation until the couple can make it home.
“Many people have the same dilemma. You can’t leave home without the worry of what’s happening with your folks,” John Floyd said.
Circle of Care is being driven through CVMC’s Senior Outreach Program. Vanessa Green, the hospital’s vice president of geriatrics and continuum management, said it’s a clear example of the circle made when children become their parents’ caregivers and it’s a great opportunity for support.
“I think we’re going to see that the need is going to be huge,” Green said.
The couples said that need they’ve imagined is what led them to the hospital for assistance.
“We first thought of going to a church, but it’s bigger than the church,” John Floyd said. “I mean, there are so many people that this would apply to.”
And while the basics are still developing, the ideas are flowing. There will be a committed membership, so that everyone knows what the group is for and what helpful role they play in the safety of an elderly relative and the peace of mind of a fellow group member.
“I envision us having some type of formal membership, so everyone knows their responsibility,” John Floyd said. “… This will be a group that works together and that gives and takes. They’re not just going to receive help, they have to give too.”
All of the members and their loved ones will need to be familiar with the group. Glenda Smithwick said she’d like to have everyone, group members and elderly family members, meet and get to know each other before the program gets going full swing.
“I’d like to have an event where you can meet all the parents so no one will be surprised or scared when someone else does come to check on them,” Glenda Smithwick said.
And, of course, there are security precautions and knowing who will be having contact with a loved one and sometimes contact with your home.
The program could also reach out to senior citizens with family living out of town.
“Even for elderly people, it will be some comfort to them that if their child lives out of town or out of state or is away on a trip, they have someone there to care for them,” DeAnn Floyd said.
And often times the most important form of help is just lending an ear to someone in need.
“It is a tough spot to be in, and you need a support group and someone to vent to sometimes,” DeAnn Floyd said.
Anyone interested in more information on Circle of Care or in joining the group may contact Green or Cathy Harris at 256-401-4075.
