Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 49)

Community HealtH strength in numbers Support groups encourage caregivers and help them stay healthy Janet Rooks (facing group) facilitates the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, including (clockwise from left) Donna Boyle, Thomas McGregor, JoAnn Shrum, Mary Jo Lins, Becky Jeffers (nurse and caregiver for 30 years), Mike Hernandez, Helen Beeker, Mary Ann DeBusman, Charlie Gardner and Faye Moore. A support group is the last thing Thomas McGregor ever thought he’d join. McGregor is a man’s man. He has tattoos on his arms, wears a biker T-shirt and rides a big motorcycle. But when his wife needed him because of her Alzheimer’s disease, McGregor didn’t hesitate to take on the role of full-time caregiver. And he joined the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group at Parrish Senior Solutions. He has been a faithful member ever since. laughter—in a confidential setting. They’ve also become friends. Many go to lunch after the meetings, and they call each other during the week for added support or to just vent. “GuiLt is a Gift You Give YourseLf.” Facilitator Janet Rooks tells them not to feel guilty for taking time for themselves, or for placing their loved one in Joe’s Club or in respite care for a few days. As the support group members arrive for their twice-a-month meeting, the love and caring among them are evident. They smile as they greet each other, sometimes hug and kiss, and talk about sending text messages to stay in touch. “Life is never the same.” Caring for people who have Alzheimer’s or dementia is a lot like having children again, only you can’t reason with them. They will never grow out of it and the disease changes them, both mentally and physically. Traditional roles fall away. From paying the bills to doing the cooking and cleaning, spouses find themselves taking on tasks their partners have handled for years. “this Group is a Lifesaver!” Being part of the support group is a safety valve. No one else really understands what it’s like to be a full-time caregiver. But these people do. Members nod their heads in support when a woman says: “My husband can still stay by himself, but he’s in denial about what’s happening to him. I just tell him I’m going to Weight Watchers and he’s fine with that. This group really is a lifesaver for me.” “You do it because You Love them.” That special person has changed because of the disease he or she has, but the memories and love are still there. The children, the trips, the pets, all the memories they made together over the years—that’s what keeps these caregivers going. “We are never aLone.” Support groups help members maintain their emotional and physical health. Talking over problems and frustrations helps caregivers emotionally, and they are more likely to take care of their physical health. That helps them be better caregivers. New and old members help one another work through problems. They share their pains—and their Go to You’ll find information on the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group and other support groups in the Community Calendar department on pages 4 and 5. You don’t have to do it alone! Find a Support Group Vim & Vigor • SPRI NG 2012 49

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
In the Business of Healing People
What's New?
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
A New Day
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
Community Health
Joe Knows Stress
SPECIAL: Caring for the Littlest Bones and Joints
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center