Pulaski, Virginia – Drs. Virginia Burggraf and Sarah Gilbert of the nursing faculty at Radford University’s Waldron College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing presented a check to the Agency on Aging for its Respite Care program in honor of Tina H. King, executive director and Janet Brennend, Long Term Care Ombudsman, both of New River Valley Agency on Aging.
The funds from the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Gerontological Nurses Association in the amount of $3,812.80 will be used to help area caregivers take a break from the continual care they offer to seniors in the New River Valley.
“It is truly the highest honor when you are remembered for the work that you do,” Tina King said.
Respite, simply defined, is taking a break from a stressful and often, tiresome, situation. Respite allows a caregiver to take time for their self and reinvest personal energy, something often taken for granted in caring for an older individual.
“It’s a re-balancing of a caregiver’s personal life,” King said. “Many times the caregiver forfeits their personal time to care for the older individual’s failing health needs.”
Dr. Burggraf and Dr. Gilbert, both professors at RU’s School of Nursing understand the stressors that arise when caring for an older adult.
“It’s important to get away and remove one’s self from a tiresome situation,” Burggraf said. “You return back refocused and more positively viewing the care role.”
The Agency is most appreciative of gifts like this one presented from Radford University.
“There are no state or federal dollars given to carry out our respite program. Donations from grants and personal gifts allow us to keep the program operating,” King said.
The New River Valley Agency on Aging is a Governmental Cooperative serving the Counties of Giles, Montgomery, Floyd and Pulaski and the City of Radford.
To learn more about our services, please call the office at 540.980.7720 or visit www.nrvaoa.org.
–New River Valley Agency on Aging
