FAQ's
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Where can I find a caregiver support group?
The Center offers a Caregiver Support Group for those caring for a loved-one with Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and other brain impairments. The group is a unique opportunity to discuss care-giving issues and strategies.
Co-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, the group is free of charge and meets at the Center the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
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Do you have any tips for caregivers?
Despite common beliefs, family care giving is still the backbone of support sustaining frail elders and adults with disabilities. If you are a caregiver for a loved one, you are among 52 million other Americans who are challenged to strike a balance between the needs of the care recipient, yourself and other family members. The responsibilities may seem overwhelming at times; however, most caregivers report the rewards far outweigh the burdens.
The key to achieving a manageable situation is that the caregiver must take care of themselves first and foremost. As every pre-flight safety demonstration shows us, secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others. This is easy advice to share but near impossible advice for most caregivers to follow. A few principles may help:
- Seek and accept help from family and friends. Caregivers often resist accepting offers of support as it may be seen as failure on their part.
- Remember at all times: YOU CANNOT DO IT ALONE.
- Honor yourself. You are doing a hard job and you deserve some quality time just for you.
- Don’t let your loved one’s disability always take center stage.
- Be open to technologies and ideas
- Grieve your losses and allow yourself to dream new dreams
- And, JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP.
Caregiving should not occur in isolation but rather include the support of family members near and far, friends, faith community members, volunteers and service organizations. The holiday season provides an excellent opportunity for families to talk. Also it is important to always be planning ahead for both likely and unlikely changes. Pre-arrangements reduce stress and can often avoid a crisis.
