Caregiver Education & Support Services
"I've been helping Mom for three years now, ever
since she broke her hip. I've been visiting her every day, but I'm
seeing some decline lately and want to know what options there are so we
can plan for her future needs. Not only that, but between running to
help Mom and keeping up with the children's schedules, I'm feeling at
the end of my rope. Am I losing it?"
Caring for an elderly family member can be
tremendously rewarding, and it can also put a lot of stress on the
caregiver. Often, it is the caregiver who is helping to plan for future
options. To do that effectively, it's nice to have a little help. The
Caregiver Education & Support Groups and Special Event Seminars provide that help.
The primary goals of the Caregiver Education &
Support Groups are to provide awareness of resources and services
available, and to provide a support group atmosphere where other
caregivers can share what has worked for them and the emotions that they
have had along the way. While you may feel alone, you are not alone.
There are currently 4 Caregiver Education and Support Groups
in the Downriver/Dearborn area that are conducted by The Information
Center. Each group meets once a month and each participant has an
opportunity to discuss their situation and listen to others explain
their situations. The facilitator presents a different topic each month
to give caregivers new skills to learn during their caregiving journey.
Topics discussed vary, but include stress management, financial
planning, hiring a home care worker, guilt and grief, legal matters,
caring for the caregiver and Alzheimer's and dementia disorders.
Special Event Seminars
On Friday, February 24th,
2012,The Information center will be hosting an all day event for
caregivers. Among the topics presented will be:
Dwight Cloutier - Veterans Support Center
*
Bettie Hughes - MMAP: Understanding Medicare and Medicaid
*
Carol Waarala - CSW: A Caregivers Travel Guide: The Alzheimer’s Journey
*
Dina Vannice – Caregiver, Huntington’s Disease: Keeping Hope/Her story There will be a continental breakfast provided at registration and a light lunch will be offered as well.
For more information click the link at the top of this article or contact Erica Hartman at (734) 278-7858
The Information Center hosted an event on March 30th, 2011 entitled “Alzheimer’s Explained, Legal Questions Answered”. Dr. David Sengstock
M.D., M.S., Director of Geriatric Medicine for Oakwood Healthcare System
and Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney conducted a presentation
to 117 caregivers in attendance. New events will be scheduled
throughout the year, visit our website again for updates. |
