Are you a caregiver?
Many people are in this role but have never identified with the title “Caregiver”. Often we think of caregivers as profess
ionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers or home health care workers who provide direct care to the young, sick, disabled or elderly. Although this is one type of caregiver, it is important to recognize the there are many caregivers that attend to the personal needs of someone in their life. You may be an adult child caring for a parent. You may be a neighbor looking out for an elderly neighbor. You may be a spouse caring for your partner. Maybe you are helping someone with shopping, cleaning, prepping meals, paying bills, personal cares, medication set up or transportation to activities or appointments.
Then YOU are a CAREGIVER!
Being a caregiver is hard work and can be emotionally draining. Common feelings include exhaustion, guilt, anger, fear and loneliness. Finding support and balance in your own life is crucial. Caregiver support groups can offer fresh perspective, new approaches and reassurance you are not alone in this journey.
Senior Community Services offers several support groups. Caregivers may join a group at any time and there is no fee. Groups are facilitated by a licensed social worker and focus on helping individual caregivers as they care for themselves and their loved one.
Please feel free to give us a call to learn more about these groups or to talk with one of our social workers.
Lisa Engdahl, Licensed Social Worker
More information on the program can be found at http://seniorcommunity.org/programs/senior-outreach-caregiver-services/.
