ANDERSON — Saint John’s Home Care is developing a pair of caregiver support groups that focus on the shared experience that comes from being a family caregiver.
The groups are tailored to accommodate all home care-giving situations, including caring for an elderly parent, nursing an ill spouse or children, and raising a grandchild.
The Saint John’s Caregiver Support Groups meet on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning Sept. 14, at these times and locations:
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Lindberg Road Church of Christ, 2625 Lindberg Road, Leader: Steve Cunningham.
- 7-9 p.m., Pendleton First United Methodist Church, 225 W. State St., Leader: JoAnn Albea.
Cunningham is a spiritual counselor for Saint John’s Hospice and facilitates a hospice grief support groups. Albea is a medical social worker for Saint John’s Home Care.
The education program or speaker from the midday session will be repeated at the evening session. Upcoming topics include “Legal Matters for Caregivers,” “Understanding Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security,” and “Forming Your Team and Gathering Resources.”
“Although the topics are very relevant to the caregiving experience, the opportunity for connecting and sharing is the greatest benefit of the groups. We offer a balance of spiritual, emotional and social support,” said Albea.
Being a caregiver usually takes a great deal of time and work. Many caregivers are juggling work and other responsibilities, which leads to extreme stress. “Caregivers so seldom take the time or find the place to talk about their own needs, so these support groups are especially valuable. Caring and listening to one another is largely what the support groups are all about.”
For the first sessions, the organizers ask that individuals RSVP by calling 646-8179.
