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August 22, 2007 -- If you are the primary caregiver for an aging
parent or an elderly spouse, loved one or neighbor, you probably
already know that the responsibility of caregiving can, at times,
be a truly overwhelming and stressful experience.
In fact, a study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving
and the American Association of Retired People (AARP) found that
more than half of those who provide major care for aging parents
or loved ones reported feelings of stress and strain – feelings
that could negatively impact their own health, well-being, and the
ability to provide care.
Fortunately, for caregivers in Ocean County, there is help available.
The Center for Healthy Living at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood
offers caregivers free support and education through a grant provided
by the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
The Caregivers Support and Education Program is staffed by social
workers with extensive caregiving experience, who offer both individual
and group counseling and support. The free program helps caregivers
learn to take care of themselves with stress management, coping
techniques and hands-on strategies for maintaining balance in their
lives while providing care for their loved one.
“Caregiving can be an overwhelming responsibility,”
says Diana Marinaro, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker who
leads the support group and provides caregivers with free counseling.
“Caregivers often feel frustrated and stressed out. They might
feel guilty because they feel like they aren't doing enough, or
frustrated that they can't do more.”
According to Marinaro, caregivers often experience feelings of sadness
and loss as they cope with their loved ones’ failing health
and diminished capacity. “Caregivers are often grieving,”
she says. “They’re coping with the sadness that comes
with the loss of familiar relationships, the loss of hopes and dreams
for the future – all the while running to doctors’ appointments,
administering medications and providing day-to-day care for their
loved one. This can be a physically and emotionally exhausting experience
for the caregiver that can negatively impact their health –
unless caregivers learn to take care of themselves and get the ongoing
support that they need – and that’s where we come in,”
she says.
The Caregivers Support and Education Program provides a weekly support
group every Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Center for Healthy
Living, located adjacent to Kimball Medical Center at 198 Prospect
Street in Lakewood. Education is provided on stress management,
coping with illness, caring for those with dementia, balancing caregiving
within your family, creating a safe environment, services available
within the community and more.
In addition to the weekly support group, Marinaro says Kimball’s
Caregivers Program provides educational programs to groups and organizations
throughout the community. They also provide individual counseling
and support for those people who prefer one-on-one assistance, and
will even visit caregivers in their homes. The program also offers
referrals to help caregivers navigate today’s complex healthcare
system and learn about available programs and services throughout
the community.
The program is free and available to anyone caring for a relative,
friend or neighbor living in Ocean County who is 60 years of age
or older. They do not need to live in the same household as the
caregiver. Long distance caregivers of Ocean County residents can
also participate in the program via telephone or e-mail.
To learn more about the Caregivers Support and Education Program
at Kimball Medical Center’s Center for Healthy Living,
call 888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).
CONTACT: Kathleen Horan
Public Relations and Marketing
732-557-3909
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