If you care for someone with a long-term illness or know someone who does, we urge you to read or pass along our article, “Help for the Helpless: Caregivers, families endure emotional, financial burdens” in the Wednesday, April 24 edition of The Valdosta Daily Times and online at valdostadailytimes.com.

The article by reporter Amanda M. Usher details the lives of caregivers in the Lowndes County area. Some are relatives caring for a family member. Others are professionals working in hospice and other settings — many of whom made caregiving a career after caring for a member of their family.

The one thing in common these caregivers share is the need for help. The need for a break.

The article covers some of these options, as well.

Hospice offers services at its facilities. There are caregivers who visit people’s homes.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Time-Out offers a place for patients to spend a few hours while the primary family caregiver goes shopping, sees a movie, takes a drive or even catches a nap.

The “Help for the Helpless” article contains powerful personal stories but it also offers the possibility of help for caregivers.

Again, we urge readers to share the article with any caregivers they know. We believe the article has the power to help those who help the helpless.

While the article should be read for a better understanding of what caregivers endure, here is contact information for organizations that can help.

 To utilize the services of Alzheimer’s Caregiver Time-Out, call (229) 245-9094. “There is a nominal fee of $5 per day or $50 monthly, whichever is lower, to help cover the cost of supplies that have not been donated,” according to staff. ACTO accepts community donations and is located at 1207 Williams St. Visit actovaldosta.org for more information.

The Hospice of South Georgia and the Langdale Hospice House is located at 2263 Pineview Drive. The hospice provides grief support, a respite service and accepts volunteers. Call (229) 433-7000 for more information.