Appreciating those who care for loved ones

Barbara and Robby Drescher pose with their autistic son, Jubal, 25, at their home on Southwest 39th Avenue in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. The Dreschers are members of the Meadowbrook Church Family Caregivers. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

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Posted November 12, 2024 | By Marian Rizzo, Correspondent

Linda Lofton dedicates the first few hours of every day to helping her 48-year-old daughter get bathed, dressed and fed. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth, Candra has multiple weaknesses in her arms and legs. She has to be lifted from her bed to her wheelchair for the day and returned to her bed at night. At some point, Lofton gets a break while Candra watches TV or gets busy coloring or working puzzles. Then, one week every year, Lofton places Candra in a group home and takes a much-needed vacation.

While helping her mother care for her sister, Leah Taylor saw the need for a support group that would provide encouragement, information and resources. She got permission to start a group at the church she attends, Meadowbrook Church of Ocala. She named it MBC Caregivers.

Originally known as Shining Lights, MBC Caregivers is geared toward family members who take care of loved ones of all ages and with all types of disabilities.

“I really hope to inspire groups in other churches,” said Taylor. “By this time next year, we can do something much larger and meet other caregivers. Those connections are so important. The conversations that come out of it allow people who are isolated because of their loved ones to connect with other people who understand where they are.”

Among the members are Robby and Barbara Drescher, whose 25-year-old son, Jubal, was diagnosed shortly after birth with multiple disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy.

“Jubal is non-verbal,” said Robby. “He can’t communicate his frustrations, so he has tantrums when we can’t figure out what he wants. He’s put himself in the hospital hitting his head. My wife and I have determined we have to live to be 120 to outlive him.”

An optician, Barbara reduced her work hours when Jubal was able to attend ARC Marion, a local nonprofit that has been providing support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1959, and the Hillcrest Public School for Exceptional Children. When he no longer fit into those programs, Barbara quit her job to stay home with him. A postal worker, Robby retired last year so he also could help out at home.

So far, the Dreschers have been able to provide Jubal with leg braces from the Shriners’ organization. For a while they got him into therapeutic horseback riding, and they take him to church on Sundays. It was there, at Meadowbrook Church, that they discovered MBC Caregivers. The group meets over brunch once a month and also hosts a separate Zoom meeting. Members get emotional support from each other and guidance from professionals who offer resources and recommend services, Robby Drescher said.

“For my wife, it was a social outlet when I was working and she was home all day with Jubal,” he said. “She met people who went to our church and were in a similar situation. Meeting once a month also gives us a chance to get out and socialize and enjoy a meal together.”

To reach more family caregivers, Robby has been sending letters to other houses of worship and has posted information about the group on his social media sites.

“We’re trying to bring awareness that there are members of our community who are voluntarily caregivers of family members,” he said. “They are allowing family members to stay at home and be comfortable.

According to AARP, 48 million family caregivers in America provide $600 billion in unpaid services annually. Though rarely recognized for their dedication and sacrifice, their efforts have not gone unnoticed by public officials.

During his campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, President-elect Donald Trump made this promise, “I’m announcing a new policy today that I will support a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of a parent or a loved one. It’s about time that they were recognized, right? They add so much to our country and are never spoken of but they’re going to be spoken of now.”

In 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis designated November as Florida Family Caregivers Appreciation Month. The following year, President Joe Biden approved a similar designation for the nation.

On Nov. 19, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano will be signing a proclamation at City Hall naming November as Ocala Family Caregivers Month.

In light of the Thanksgiving holiday, the proclamation expresses gratitude to family caregivers for their selfless dedication, generosity and compassion. Marciano, himself, is no stranger to the role of caregiver.

“My wife and I took in a 3-year-old boy one time that had autism,” Marciano said. “At the end of the day we were exhausted. The sacrifices people make to take care of loved ones takes a toll. It means so much to recognize and appreciate them for what they do.”

To Meadowbrook Church pastor Tim Gilligan, “Family Caregivers Appreciation Month is an essential time to recognize and celebrate the selfless dedication of those who provide care for their loved ones. These caregivers often work tirelessly, with little recognition, to ensure the well-being and comfort of family members facing health challenges,” he noted. “This month serves as an opportunity to acknowledge their sacrifices, offer support and raise awareness about the challenges they face. As we honor and appreciate family caregivers, let us consider ways that we might encourage and bless them in this noble but challenging role.”

For more information about the MBC Caregivers or to offer resources or services, call (678) 814-6099.