Maine’s Legal Services for the Elderly website carries the following brief article. If you have a question of a legal nature, be sure to check the website or call 800-750-5353.

“Caring for a loved one every day can be stressful, emotional, and exhausting. Because of this, some community services are available to make sure that everyone is getting the help they need.

“The Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services created the Family Caregiver Support Program to help those people who are providing care in Maine. The Family Caregiver Program offers information and assistance, individual counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care, and other services. You might benefit from this program. Call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771 to learn about the services that are available in your area.”

Caregiving (not childcare) has nearly become a routine part of life for many of us. Whether we are the “giver” or the “recipient,” the reality is that it is affecting or will affect every one of us in some way.

If you think politics is boring and has nothing of interest for you, think again. One of Maine’s best-known politicians, Sen. Susan Collins, has recently introduced the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act to help address the growing and crucial role of family caregivers in our nation.

Collins’ legislation, which has been endorsed by AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and a coalition of disability and advocacy organizations, would direct the secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Family Caregiving Project to develop and sustain a national strategy to support family caregivers. The project would be funded entirely from existing HHS funds.

There are currently 43 million family caregivers in the United States, who, in 2013, provided an estimated $470 billion in uncompensated long-term care. In Maine alone, that estimate is $2.2 billion. Caregivers help older Americans live independently and remain in the safety and comfort of their own homes.

As the population ages, the demand for family caregivers will continue to increase. Americans 85 and older are the fastest growing segment of the population. This population is most at risk of multiple and interacting health problems that can lead to disability and the need for round-the-clock care.

Today, there are seven potential caregivers for each person over age 80 and at the highest risk of requiring long-term care. By 2030, there will be four, and by 2050, the number drops to fewer than three. As a consequence, more people will have to rely on fewer caregivers.

Meanwhile, Southern Maine Agency on Aging is offering “Savvy Caregiver,” a six-week training program for family caregivers of people with disorders that cause dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Often, family members take on the role of caregiving without any preparation. This evidence-based training program is designed for people who are assisting a family member or friend with dementia, and helps them develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make caregiving easier.

Savvy Caregiver consists of six two-hour class sessions, and encourages participants to try out ideas at home between classes. Participants are asked to plan to attend all six classes in the series.

This workshop will be held at Bridgton Community Center starting on Aug. 28 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, contact Ann O’Sullivan at 1-800-427-7411 x541 or email [email protected].

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at [email protected], or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.