Monday, February 13, 2012
7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
“My mother fell out of bed last night trying to reach the lamp by the bed.”
“My husband’s tremors are making it difficult for him to feed himself without spilling things.”
“My wife has been falling a lot recently. She fell last night trying to get out of the tub.”
These are common scenarios for persons whose health requires more and more help from a caregiver. For those persons providing the care, trying to find ways to be of the greatest help can be a challenge. There are, however, some simple devices that help our loved ones maintain more independence. Typically, these devices can be provided by an occupational therapist. For example, weighted utensils and cups are helpful to someone with tremors.
Carrie Ciro, an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Services at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, has enthusiastically agreed to present to our group in February. Please set aside this date to hear Carrie speak about the benefits of occupational therapy.
What is the Caregivers’ Support Group
Being a caregiver to someone who has memory loss or a form of dementia can be equally rewarding and taxing to the caregiver. Many caregivers have learned that when they speak with other caregivers, they find encouragement, support and understanding. Our Caregiver Support Group serves this purpose. We also learn from each other: of community resources, the progression of the disease and how to better cope with the needs of our loved ones.
The group may serve family, friends, and caregivers of persons with any form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia of Lewy Body, and other illnesses which can create loss of memory, language difficulties, thought processing and behavioral changes.
Please invite your friends and family as we share this important time together. The Caregiver Support Group is not exclusive to the Santa Fe community and we welcome anyone who wishes to participate. What we share is confidential. We are gathering for mutual emotional support and will foster positive attitudes that can direct us towards finding solutions. The group has occasional speakers from the community to offer information on programs, legal issues and practical information for those providing care.
The meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room and generally last until 8:30 p.m. The group tries to be considerate of everyone’s time by starting and ending the group on time.
Facilitators for this group have been trained by the Alzheimer’s Association and/or the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Please contact the church office (341-3300) for more information.