Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta initiates Caregiver CARE Atlanta

More than 1 in 4 Jewish individuals in Atlanta need assistance with care due to age, disabilities and/or serious mental illnesses. (1) And family caregivers provide the majority of this help.

For adults receiving long-term care at home, 78% get all of this support from family members or friends. (2) Most of us are extremely confident that we also can rely on family and friends to give us the personal care we may need in the future.  Yet, who takes care of our current family caregivers?

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta has initiated Caregiver CARE Atlanta to provide resources and a support network for caregivers. It is also a unique partnership of several community agencies.  Its two innovative programs address the priority needs of family caregivers in our Jewish community.  One of these services provides respite care.  Respite is temporary or periodic short-term, in-home care provided by trained volunteers to individuals who are elderly, have disabilities, and/or mental illnesses. 

Studies show that half of all family caregivers suffer from feelings of isolation and report that the burden of caregiving causes increased depression and anxiety.  This stress also impacts the caregiver’s own physical health. (3) Respite care provides caregivers an opportunity to relax, get out of the house, and take care of other responsibilities.  While ensuring caregivers that their loved one is receiving the attention they need, this program gives family caregivers a needed break and lets them also know the Jewish community cares about them too!

For more information, please call 770-677-9432.

  1. 2006. Greater Atlanta Jewish Community Centennial Study.
  2. 2008. Spalding, B. Sandy Springs Living Magazine. “Caregiving: At What Cost,?”  Jan./Feb. pg 14
  3. 2001. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

by Marilynn Winston, Ph.D.