CAREGIVERS-TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE WITH HIV BLOGGER:BEING SANE TAKES TOO MUCH WORK

As of 2014, there were 46,870 residents in Georgia living with HIV. According to the CDC, that is the 5th highest number of cases in the nation. AARP is providing resources for caregivers who either have the virus or are taking care of someone with HIV or AIDS. Alice Bennett, who is the AARP associate state director for community outreach, said, "Anytime you take someone to the doctor or take someone something to eat, you are a caregiver." She goes on to say, "We want people to understand the resources we have." Go to aarp.org/caregiving for those resources. In general, some of the problems caring for people with HIV or Aids are the same as for the older population in general. Isolation, taking proper medication and transportation are a few examples. A big challenge is getting people with the illness to open up about their condition. That is why AARP Ga is participating in HIV/AIDS awareness days. It is for all individuals, but specifically aimed at women and girls and African Americans.