SC Thrive Simulation Highlights Challenges Caregivers Face Providing Long-Term Care
–SC Thrive is taking a proactive approach by educating caregivers to provide effective care amidst an aging society.
–The Caregiver Simulation will walk participants through a simulated month of caring for an individual.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jan 16, 2025 – One in every five U.S. adults are unpaid caregivers. These individuals face significant hurdles trying to find adequate resources to support loved ones in their charge. SC Thrive serves as a bridge linking caregivers in South Carolina with those key providers.
Stephanie McGuire, SC Thrive’s Chief Development Officer, serves as a caregiver for her aging parents. After dealing with two COVID-19 scares and other underlying health conditions, McGuire and her siblings moved their aging parents from Ohio to South Carolina and became their primary caregivers.
“Caregiving for my parents has been rewarding, but extremely difficult,” McGuire said. “My siblings and I are responsible for managing finances, doctors’ appointments, transportation, meals, medicine, and so much more. Although it has been a challenge, SC Thrive has connected me with organizations that provide essential care. It feels good knowing that I can trust SC Thrive and their partners to provide the care we need.”
To bring awareness to the challenges of caregiving and offer resources to those who may be struggling, SC Thrive developed the Caregivers Simulation. The simulation walks participants through a simulated month of caring for a disabled or aging child or adult. Participants learn about the costs, responsibilities and difficulties required in successfully caring for an individual through four, hands-on “weeks” of training. The entire session, geared towards caregivers and those working in long-term care spaces, lasts two hours.
“We want caregivers to know that they are not alone,” commented Tricia Richardson, the CEO of SC Thrive, a nonprofit organization connecting South Carolinians to essential resources. “Our hearts go out to the 53 million individuals who provide unpaid care. We want to do our part to help them feel less overwhelmed and more prepared to balance the responsibilities associated with effective caregiving.”
By 2040, 22% of the American population will be 65 years of age and older. This silver tsunami of baby boomers will challenge hospitals, care facilities and families. The average cost for an assisted living facility is $4,500 each month, which many families are unable to pay. That means the number of unpaid caregivers will increase as the baby boomer population ages.
In addition to linking those in need with food security, senior programs, healthcare access, mental wellness resources, and financial support, SC Thrive has become a caregiving resource in the state of South Carolina. SC Thrive’s Contact Center helps partners assist clients by applying for long-term care and other supportive resources. Visit SC Thrive’s “Resource Direct” page to find a directory of partner organizations available in each community.
The Caregiver Simulation takes place Feb. 6. at SC Thrive in Columbia, SC and is open to organizations and individuals who provide long-term care. To register, visit HERE.
About SC Thrive
SC Thrive is a nonprofit organization linking South Carolinians to essential resources. We bring community together. We connect those in need with resources to help attain food security, senior programs, healthcare access, mental wellness resources, and financial support. With distinctive programs and trainings for individuals and agencies alike, as well as innovative technology, SC Thrive lifts South Carolinians up to help them live their best lives. Visit scthrive.org to learn more.
Media Contact
Grace Sueflohn
Inspire Agency on behalf of SC Thrive
gsueflohn@inspire-agency.com 262-613-7636