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Upcoming meeting dates for the group’s schedule are March 13 and 27, April 10 and 24, May 8 and 22, and June 12 and 26. Meetings begin at 1:45 p.m. and last for approximately one hour.
Led by Kate Bacon, LMSW, Waveny social worker and Carolyn Antonion, LMSW, resident care coordinator, the group focuses on the enormous responsibility of caring for people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, and welcomes individuals from all areas to attend, free of charge.
“In addition to providing guidance and advice, our support group offers participants the opportunity to meet others facing similar challenges.” said Bacon. “Sharing openly with other individuals in similar situations can help caregivers to feel refreshed and re-energized. Our sessions provide an open forum and supportive environment for problem solving, interpersonal networking, stress reduction and continued education about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, memory loss and available community resources.”
In addition to providing caregivers with a forum to discuss their personal experiences, Waveny’s support group also provides its participants with an important social outlet. “Although dementia affects everyone differently, the experiences of being a caregiver are often similar,” said Antonion. “Discussing shared experiences can reduce caregiver stress, offer much needed shifts in perspective and help foster new ideas. Realizing that you are not alone in your challenges and successes is comforting and encouraging for anyone. Our group offers a safe, confidential and professionally supported space for these discussions. And, when a caregiver takes the necessary time to attend to their well-being, the recipient of their care will benefit, too.”
For more information about Waveny’s caregiver support group, please contact Kate Bacon, LMSW, at 203-594-5470 or kbacon@waveny.org, or Carolyn Antonion, LMSW, at cantonion@waveny.org 203-594-5429 or inquire though Waveny’s informative website at waveny.org.
Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a non-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living and respite care for people with memory impairment at The Village, and skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center. It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, and an array of community-based services through Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home and Geriatric Care Management. For more information, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or inquire online.
