Financial Resources Available to Give Caregivers a Break

1-503

November 4, 2022

SWODA Press Release

For questions, contact Joanie Swanson, AAA Information & Assistance Specialist, 580-562-5026; joanie@swoda.org

Many caregivers struggle to provide care for their loved ones on their own. The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA) believes it’s important caregivers know they are not alone in their struggle to help their loved ones.

SWODA AAA provides for respite services for eligible caregivers in partnership with the Department of Human Services, Aging Services Division.

Studies have shown caregivers will give better care, maintain their own health, and have reduced levels of stress if they can get away from the responsibilities of providing care even if it’s for only a few hours. Respite does just that. It provides a way for a caregiver to get out of the everyday routine of caring for their loved one. For example, a caregiver has the option of using respite services to go to a doctor’s appointment, to get their hair done, to visit friends at a coffee shop, or even go to a movie.

Caregivers are defined as “people of any age caring for someone 60 years of age or older with two Activities of Daily Living Impairments (dressing, bathing, eating, transferring, toileting, or walking) and/or requiring substantial assistance because of a cognitive or other mental impairment.”

If you or someone you know is interested in the Caregiver Respite Voucher Program, please contact Joanie Swanson, caregiver coordinator with SWODA Area Agency on Aging, at 800-627-4882, ext. 126, or e-mail Joanie at joanie@swoda.org.

Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

2603100736_1952593

Fires Being Investigated in Roger Mills County

Roger Mills County, OK — Local firefighters responded Monday to three separate grass fires in Roger Mills County, with authorities saying evidence suggests the fires may have been intentionally set. According to Roger Mills County Sheriff Darren

2603051757_1435090

Fatal Crash Reported South of Foss

Foss, OK – A fatal two-vehicle collision occurred early Thursday morning, March 5, on State Highway 44 in Washita County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash happened at approximately 4:14 a.m. at the intersection of

2603021239_2113873

Celebrating 125 Years of Excellence at SWOSU

Weatherford, OK — On March 6, 2026, the SWOSU community will come together to celebrate an incredible milestone, 125 years of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. For more than a century, SWOSU has been a place where tradition,