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NEW CANAAN, Conn. — Caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias hoping to tap into community resources, share their experiences and build relationships should look no further than the Caregiver Support Group at the Waveny Care Center.
Anyone, no matter where they live, who is a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or an associated illness, is welcome to attend.
Social worker Ilene Sumberg, director of the center's Adult Day Program, and social worker Kate Bacon co-facilitate the meetings, provide educational materials to participants and conduct open discussions about common concerns relating to the well-being of patients, loved ones and themselves.
“It is an opportunity for people to learn, share and network with each other,” Sumberg said.
The program, under the auspices of the Alzheimer’s Association, offers community resources for caregivers to improve the quality of life for their patients while providing care.
The program also allows caregivers to connect in a variety of ways with others who are dealing with similar situations, Sumberg said.
“People cannot take care of others if they cannot take care of themselves," she said. "They need to know they are not alone."
Compassion is the driving force in her efforts to making a difference in other people’s lives, Sumberg said. “This is not just a job for me but a calling,” she said.
Meetings take place from 1:45 until 3 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Waveny Care Center. The group is ongoing, and there is no charge to participate.
The Waveny Care Network, which has been a nonprofit organization since 1975, offers skilled nursing facilities with inpatient and outpatient therapy services and social and recreational programs for aging adults with various medical and cognitive needs.
For more information about the support group, contact Sumberg at 203-594-5301 or Isumberg@waveny.org. Additional information about the Waveny Care Network is available at its website.
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