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

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 agent and sees their fatigue and strain. It was her insured client providing caregiving for her uninsurable spouse who pointed out there was no support group for caregivers in the San Lorenzo Valley, and she wanted one. So Barbara met the challenge and worked to get one started.

The first SLV Caregiver Support Group meeting took place in February 2016, at Highlands Park Senior Center in Ben Lomond with seven caregivers in attendance. Regular meetings have been held since then.

Meetings are on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays of each month, from 2 pm until 3:30 pm at the Highlands Park Senior Center. Feel free to drop in; there is no charge. A fund provided by the Valley Women’s Club can help defray up to $100 for a caregiver to take some time off.

The group meets with the intent to learn from other caregivers and professionals in the field while providing an opportunity to gain strength and support for the weeks and months ahead. 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.

Check the @SLVcaregiver Facebook page for up-to-date information.