In the 10 days since Marian Hospice care has stepped into Marion and Al Sell's lives, Marion says her own health is starting to improve.

With the stress of caring for her husband reduced - through the support of Hospice - Marion Sell says her high blood pressure is back to normal levels.

“It keeps me calmer,” she said of the help.

As the primary caregiver to her 91-year-old husband, Marion said her life has become much busier. With regular housekeeping, the shopping and helping Al, 80-year-old Marion is pleased with the support she has seen from her hospice team.

“They are all very caring people,” she said.

Primary caregivers like Marion are being recognized by officials with Marian Home Care and Hospice Services today with an event designed to give them a relaxing time for themselves. From 5 to 7 p.m. Marian and Dream Dinners of Santa Maria are hosting an evening of free dinner and entertainment.

“We were talking one day about how important for both Home Care and Hospice, caregivers are to our job of helping patients,” said Kathy Sullivan, vice president of Home Care and Hospice Services of the event's inception.

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“People find themselves shocked with a loved one's new diagnosis,” she added. “They find themselves in a role they never anticipated being in ... it's hard and very wearing.”

In an effort to encourage caregivers to venture out for themselves, Sullivan said, Marian Hospice volunteers are stepping in to sit with patients while their caregivers are away.

For the Sells, Hospice Volunteer Fred Clarke is set to come and stay with Al while Marion attends.

Marion said she is looking forward to the night out and excited to try the Dream Dinners food.

Dream Dinners is donating the food, which is expected to be served as a buffet, organizers said. Additionally, there will be music, a raffle and free massage chairs.

“We will just have some good food, relaxing massages and a time for them to meet other people who are in the same position that maybe they can connect with,” said Amanda Stanley, one of the Marian Medical Center event organizers.

Officials are unsure if the event will become a regular occurrence, but if there is enough interest they hope it might be.

“I will bet it will be well received,” Sullivan added. “Most things (out) there for caregivers are groups. This is a time to meet people but (also) to simply have fun.”

Caregivers Corner a resource center

Located in Marian Medical Center West, officials with Home Care and Hospice Services have established a resource center for those caring for ill loved ones.

The Caregivers Corner, at Marian West, 525 E. Plaza Drive, is next to the chapel and features a variety of educational material geared toward in-home care.

“There are lots of resources in our community here for caregivers, but you need to know where to get them,” said Kathy Sullivan, vice president of Home Care and Hospice Services.

Since at some point people find themselves at the Marian facility, Sullivan said, the decision was made to fill the void and offer the resources in one place.

The corner, located next to the chapel, includes books, CDs, DVDs and pamphlets including titles such as “The Gift of Caregiving” and “The Fearless Caregiver.”

Additionally, there are books dealing with elderly and ill massage techniques and making the home safe, documents needed for establishing advance directives, and information on Marian support groups and classes, officials said.

The resources are free.

For more information on Marian Hospice and Home Care Services, call 739-3830.

- Malia Spencer

Malia Spencer can be reached at 739-2219 or mspencer@lompocrecord.com.

June 27, 2008