Caregiver Shortage
It is a problem that all communities are dealing with, and with Florence retirement numbers increasing it is a concern for those working with the elderly. With the election a little over a month away, some say caregiving and long-term care are issues too big for candidates in Oregon to ignore. There are about 460-thousand family caregivers in the state providing five-point-seven billion dollars of unpaid care, according to a 2017 estimate. Yvonne Smith is a faculty member at Clackamas Community College and says some people may not even realize they are caregivers.
“For example, if you are helping someone manage their medications, if you’re doing someone’s grocery shopping, if you’re checking in on them and helping them go through their mail – those are all caregiving activities.”
Smith says despite the numbers, Oregon is in need of more caregivers, especially with the avalanche of Baby Boomers retiring in the coming years. She says folks need more resources.
“We don’t have enough. In fact, we don’t have almost any programs to support in-home caregivers.”
Smith says Oregon has applied for a Medicaid waiver to ensure family caregivers can get breaks through respite care. She also notes that professional caregiving from folks who are not family members or friends is low-paying, although that is beginning to change with recent unionization efforts in the industry.
Cyclist Killed
A German bicyclist died from injuries received after being struck by a pickup on Highway 101 in Douglas County Thursday afternoon. The Oregon State Police said 29-year old Nathalie Friese was riding southbound on Highway 101 near Gardner when she was struck by a southbound Dodge pickup driven by 40-year old Ryan Davidson of Reedsport. Troopers say Friese was “transported to area hospitals” with critical injuries where she passed away the next day.
Goin’ With The Flo
This Saturday the Goin’ with the Flo Vintage Trailer rally returns to Florence. Over 30 vintage trailers will be on display for public viewing at Heceta Beach RV Park from noon until 3 pm. The trailers range from pristine to some that are still in the restoration process. Public viewing has not been permitted during the height of the pandemic. The rally will coincide with the Circles in the Sand event at Driftwood Shores Resort. That event will be at 3pm and feature guest artist Danny Dyke. Public walkthrough will be at 5 pm Saturday.
