Waveny Hosts Coping With Impacts Of Dementia Support Group

NEW CANAAN, CT - From Waveny LifeCare Network: Waveny LifeCare Network hosts a regularly-scheduled public support group for people coping with the impacts of caring for a loved one with dementia. Held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month in Waveny Care Center’s Coleman Library at 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, Waveny’s group is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.

Upcoming summer and autumn meeting dates for group meetings are July 24, August 14 and 28, September 11 and 25, October 9 and 23, and November 13 and 27. 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 dementias including Alzheimer’s disease, and welcomes individuals from all areas to attend, free of charge.

“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 to 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. When a caregiver takes the necessary time to attend to their well-being, the recipient of their care benefits, too.”

In addition to providing caregivers with a forum to discuss personal experiences, Waveny’s support group also provides participants with an important social outlet. “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 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.”

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 or 203.594.5429, or inquire though Waveny’s 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 nonprofit 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 visit
www.waveny.org.

Photo courtesy of Waveny LifeCare Network