The pressure on individuals providing care for an ill, disabled or dying family member is enormous. Having to BE there 24-7, on alert to meet needs and waylay or deal with problems, trying to do the marketing and errands, dealing with lack of sleep and no opportunities to relax or take a walk. Meeting another’s needs far too often means forgoing meeting one’s own needs.

But there is help available now, thanks to VWC Board member Barbara Hanson. Barbara meets stressed caregivers on a regular basis, in her work as a Long Term Care insurance specialist. She sees their fatigue and strain. She had wanted to help in someway for a long time, so she brought together some other VWC members to brainstorm, and consulted with professionals in the field. It was a close friend who pointed out that a support group was needed. So Barbara met the challenge and worked to get one started.

The first Valley Caregiver Support Group meeting took place at 2pm, Thursday Feb. 11^th at Highlands Park Senior Center, with seven caregivers in attendance, under the guidance of Lisa Bennett, Owner and Careteam Manager at Meadowood Home Care. There is an update on its Facebook page.

From now on, meetings will be ongoing the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays of each month, at 2 pm at the Senior Center. The program will feature the opportunity to learn from other caregivers, and from professionals in the field, and will especially provide the opportunity to gain strength and support for the weeks and months ahead. Feel free to drop in; there is no charge.

We owe a special thanks to Patti Maxine for welcoming the group to the Senior Center, and for all her help in arranging for the Senior Center as the meeting site.

For more information about the Caregiver Support Group, call Barbara at 335-4949, or email her.

Note: there are many online resources for family caregivers including the following:

Caregiver stress

10 Ways to Deal With Caregiver Stress

Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers