New caregiver support group forming

[May 13, 2013]  Recognizing the need caregivers have for support in the challenges they face, The Christian Village is organizing a local caregiver support group. Called Caregivers Together, the new group is open to all caregivers.

The group will be launched with special kickoff on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the Senior Apartment Building at The Christian Village. Lee Schall, herself a local caregiver, will share encouraging stories and provide information. Caregivers also will be able to enjoy treats from the ice cream sundae bar.

Those who attend will have the opportunity to share what support they would like to see from the new group.

"Providing care for a loved one can be an emotionally exhausting and isolating venture," noted Jo Hilliard, Christian Village administrator. "Usually it runs in cycles, sometimes better and sometimes more intense. Our goal is to offer a friendly arm to lean on to remove the isolation factor and to provide emotional support."

Nearly 30 percent of the U.S. adult population at any time is providing care to a family member or friend, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. More than three-fourths of them want more help or information about caregiving topics, but don't know where to turn.

[Text from file received from The Christian Village]