NEW ULM - Several years ago, Julie Terrell traded the sun, sand and surf of her native Southern California and a stay in Washington state for Minnesota.
It was her experience with caring for elderly members of her family that led Terrell this way.
Her brother formerly worked as a doctor at New Ulm Medical Center before ill health forced him to retire.
After taking care of her grandmother in Orange County, California years ago, Terrell met a doctor of gerontology.
The visit got her interested in the job field.
"He was the first doctor who really seemed interested in helping me take care of my grandmother. He was the first doctor who ever asked me what he could do for me," said Terrell.
Her retired father lives in New Ulm.
"My family needed me here and the services for Seniors are so great, so I moved here 2 1/2 years ago. I thought the best job in the world would be educating caregivers to work with older adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities," said Terrell.
"Southern California was a great place to grow up, but I'd rather be here now. There's just too many people out there now," she added.
Terrell is the director for Volunteers for Seniors of Brown County, Suite B, 1300 S. Broadway.
The organization formerly known as Faith in Action of Brown County, began in September 2002 with 24 coalition organizations.
Since that time, more than 300 families have been served by 152 volunteers who connect older adults and their caregivers with local services.
Terrell said some Midwestern couples have such a strong work ethic, they are tentative about seeking help in caring for an ill or disabled spouse or other family member.
"About 80 percent of long-term care is provided by loved ones who are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression if their spouses are permanently ill or disabled," added Terrell.
She feels long-term care issues will increase in the next few years as Baby Boomers become Senior Citizens.
Volunteers for Seniors Family Caregiver Support includes education for volunteers and families who care for people with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases, dementia and other illnesses.
Caregiver support groups provide training, education, speakers and support in a confidential setting, free of charge.
Respite Care is provided for volunteers who stay with an individual up to four hours so the family caregiver can get a break.
Volunteers do not give medication.
Other volunteer services include friendly visits and telephone call reassurance.
Volunteers for Seniors relies on donations from individuals, businesses, service clubs, foundations, the United Way of the Brown County Area, Inc., and Region 9 through Project ROSE. Donations are tax deductible.
A Spring Gala fund-raiser willl feature dinner and musical entertainment on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the New Ulm Community Center.
Volunteer benefits include free training and insurance. For more information, call 354-5370 or 1-866-899-0662 or visit ww.volunteersforseniors.com/.
Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.
