Who Cares for the Caregiver?

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Community/Senior Center is launching a new program called “Time for Me”-a Caregivers' Support Group for Family Caregivers.  

The monthly program focuses on personal renewal of the caregivers to be able to socialize and enjoy the company of other caregivers.  Recreational and educational activities will be included at the monthly meetings.

Meetings will take place the first Monday of every month, starting Nov. 4, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St. 

The program is open to all Seymour residents and Seymour Senior Center members at no cost. Pre-registration is required. To register call 203-888-0406 or visit www.seymourcommunityservices.com.

Our theme is "Who Cares for the Caregiver."

(This is a press release from the Seymour Senior Center)

Griffin Seeking Volunteers

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is looking for volunteers to help provide patients and caregivers peace of mind about future healthcare decisions.

 

The hospital’s new Advance Care Planning Volunteer Program will train individuals to help guide others in developing a plan for their care in the event they are unable to speak for themselves. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process of understanding, reflecting on, and discussing individual goals, beliefs and values in order to determine one's healthcare wishes and assign a healthcare representative to make decisions on his or her behalf.

 

The program includes an online learning component and interactive classes.

 

For more information or to register, call Lynn Aiksnoras at 203-732-1255 or email at laiksnoras@griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital) 

Healing Workshop Offered at Griffin Hospital

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will offer a basic level Soft Touch workshop June 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. June 10 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Soft Touch is a therapeutic, relaxing, and gentle massage that can be given to an individual's hands, feet, or back. Griffin Hospital offers variations of this therapy to patients and their caregivers as a way to reduce their anxiety, pain, and stress.

 

The workshop is led by Licensed Massage Therapist Joanne Halstead, R.N., BSN, and Physical Therapist Nancy Corvigno, MSPT, PRPC. This basic-level training includes a demonstration of various Soft Touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

 

The cost is $30. There are no prerequisites to attend the workshop and it is open to the public.Space is limited and sign-ups are due by June 1. Contact Laura Murphy, Planetree Services supervisor, at 203-732-7466 to enroll.

 
(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Hospital Sharing Hearts Support Group Meeting March 23

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Sharing Hearts Support Group will meet Thurs., March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

 

The Sharing Hearts Support Group aims to lower the anxiety and stress that comes with a heart condition diagnosis by offering monthly education on heart health and area resources, as well as the support of fellow individuals with heart conditions.

 

Future meetings will be held April 27, May 25 and June 22. Caregivers are also invited to join.

 

For more information and to reserve your spot, contact Maria Cantito at Griffin Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at 203-732-7106.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Wesley Village continues 'Sandwiched' caregiver education series for 2015

SHELTON >>  Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village on Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. for the education series, "Sandwiched," on balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one.

The topic for this session is "Use It or Lose It: Helping Your Aging Loved One Stay Active and Fit." Dianne Terrace, certified trainer and director of The Wellness Center at Wesley Village, will give some important fitness tips that will help your loved one get moving again in the coming year.

The snow date for this event is Wednesday, Jan. 14.

To RSVP, call 203-925-4952 or visit http://www.wesleyvillage-ct.org/. The program will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. A light supper will be served. This is a monthly series.

This is a press release from Marissa Salvesen, marketing and promotions manager United Methodist Homes.

Caregiver education offered at Shelton community

 

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support. 

Let us help. Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 3 for our caregiver education series.

Our topic for this session is The Top 3 Tools for Caregivers: Education, Resources & Stress Management. 
 Learn one easy language change to improve the emotions of you and the person for whom you care. 

Pamela Atwood, Director of Dementia Care Services at Hebrew Healthcare, will share methods and strategies for finding the best care and minimizing the effects of stress on your health.

To RSVP, call 203-925-4952 or at www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.
The program will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave.
A light supper will be served.
This is a monthly series. Be sure to “save the date” for our other upcoming programs, happening on the first Wednesday of the month.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Series for caregivers continues in Shelton

 

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support.

Let us help. Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6 for our caregiver education series.

Our topic for this session is The Path to Better Nutrition: Helping Your Aging Loved One Manage Their Health.
Join Tina Miller, Registered Dietitian for United Methodist Homes, to hear more about critical topics that affect your loved one’s health. (This topic has been re-scheduled from our March session.)

To RSVP, contact us at 203-925-4952 or at www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.
All programs will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.. A light supper will be served.

This is a monthly series. Be sure to “Save the Date” for other upcoming programs, happening on the first Wednesday of the month.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Caregivers invited to session at Wesley Village in Shelton

 SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support. Let us help! 

Caregivers are invited to join us at Wesley Village from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.July 2 for our caregiver education series.

Our topic for this session is entitled Exploring VA Benefits and Assisted Living. Is your loved one a veteran or a veteran’s spouse?

Join VA expert, Attorney Steven L. Rubin, of the Drazen Law Group in Milford, for an explanation of how veterans may qualify for these important benefits and how they can be used. 

To RSVP, contact us at 203-925-4952 or at www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. All programs will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.

A light supper will be served. This is a monthly series. Be sure to “Save the Date” for  other upcoming programs this summer happening on the first Wednesday of the month.

This is a press release from United Methodsist Homes.

 

Shelton community to host program on dementia

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support.
Let us help! Caregivers are invited to join to Wesley Village  from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. June 4 for a  caregiver education series. This month's topic is Understanding Memory Loss and Dementia.
Worried about memory changes in your aging loved one? Not sure what to look for? Carolyn A. DeRocco, Senior Director of Programs and Education for the Alzheimer’s Association (Connecticut Chapter) will offer an overview on recognizing the differences between memory loss and the warning signs of dementia.

To RSVP, call 203-925-4952 or go to www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. All programs will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.
A light supper will be served.
This is a monthly series. Be sure to “Save the Date” for upcoming programs this summer, happening on the first Wednesday of the month.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Wesley Village in Shelton to host talk on aging

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support.

Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. May 7  for the “Sandwiched” caregiver education series.

This month's featured program is The Emotional and Social Aspects of Aging.
Nic Giordano, of Med Options, a psychologist, the Rev. Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life for Wesley Village, will offer important information about the often overlooked emotional and social aspects of aging.
Discover what every adult child needs to know about helping their aging loved one through times of transition and loss.

To RSVP, contact Wesley Village, 203-925-4952 or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

All programs will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.

 A light supper will be served. This is a monthly series….Be sure to “Save the Date” for other upcoming programs on the first Wednesday of the month.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

 

Wesley Village in Shelton offers caregiver program

 

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support. Let us help!

Join staff at Wesley Village from 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 2 for a caregiver education series.

The presentation is titled, The Legal and Practical Aspects of Aging. Attorney Linda Eliovson of Fairfield and Daniel E. Wollman, MD, medical director for Wesley Village, will provide a closer look into the legal and practical aspects of aging.

Discussion topics that will be covered in the presentation will include: Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), Advanced Directives, Health Care Proxy, and Living Wills (from a legal and medical viewpoint).

To RSVP, call 203-925-4952 or at www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.
All programs will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave.
A light supper will be served. This is a monthly series. Be sure to “Save the Date” for our other upcoming programs on the first Wednesday of the month.

Wesley Village in Shelton offers program for caregivers

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support.

Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 5:30-6:30 p.m. March 5 for the “Sandwiched” caregiver education series (snow date: March 12).
The program, Navigating the World of Senior Living Options, is rescheduled from February due to the inclement weather.

This program will take the place of The Path to Better Nutrition: Helping Your Aging Loved One Manage Their Health, which was originally scheduled for March 5 but will be presented at a later date.

Hear from Lois Poutney, Executive Director, Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community, Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator, Bishop Wicke Health Center, and Deb Moeller, Care Transition Manager with Constellation Health Services, as they explain senior living options available.

The presenters will discuss independent living, assisted living, home care, and skilled nursing care.

To RSVP, contact Wesley Village, 203-925-4952 or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.
All programs will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave.

A light supper will be served. This is a monthly series. Be sure to “Save the Date” for other upcoming programs on the first Wednesday of the month.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Shelton facility to host program for caregivers

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave one feeling “sandwiched” and in need of support.

Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 for the new “Sandwiched” education series.

The featured program is entitled, “Navigating the World of Senior Living Options.”
 Hear from Lois Poutney, Executive Director of Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community, Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator at Bishop Wicke Health Center, and Deb Moeller, Care Transition Manager with Constellation Health Services, as they explain the different senior living options available today.

The presenters will discuss independent living, assisted living, home care, and skilled nursing care. To RSVP, contact Wesley Village, 203-925-4952 or at www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

All programs will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.
A light supper will be served. This is a monthly series.
Be sure to “Save the Date” for other upcoming programs on the first Wednesday of each month.




This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Caregivers invited to series at facility in Shelton

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support.

Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 for the new “Sandwiched” education series.

The featured program is entitled, “Making Sense of the Affordable Care Act for your Aging Loved One.”
It will help caregivers make sense of the many details within the new Affordable Care Act and learn how they affect their aging loved ones.

This session will feature a presentation by Bev Kidder, Director of the Aging Resource Center and Fred Serra, CEO of Serra & DelVecchio Insurance.
To RSVP, contact Wesley Village, 203-925-4952 or at www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.
All programs will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave.
A light supper will be served.
 This is a monthly series. Be sure to “Save the Date” for other upcoming programs on the first Wednesday of the month.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Caregivers invited to program at Wesley Village in Shelton

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “sandwiched” and in need of support.

Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 for the new “Sandwiched” education series.

The program, “Making Sense of the Affordable Care Act for your Aging Loved One,” will help caregivers make sense of the many details within the new Affordable Care Act and learn how they affect their aging loved ones.

This session will feature a presentation by Bev Kidder, Director of the Aging Resource Center and Fred Serra, CEO of Serra & DelVecchio Insurance.
To RSVP, contact Wesley Village at 203-925-4952 or at www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.


All programs will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus,
580 Long Hill Ave. A light supper will be served.

This is a monthly series. Be sure to “Save the Date” for other upcoming programs on the first Wednesday of the month.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Caregivers learn to avoid burnout at Shelton talk

Donna Fedus presents caregiver program. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Crosby Commons Assisted and Independent Living Community on the Wesley Village campus recently hosted a caregiver education program, “Preventing Compassion Fatigue and Burnout.”

It was presented by gerontologist Donna B. Fedus. 

This free program, offered specifically for social workers, administrators, and other health care professionals, was filled with valuable self-care techniques to help caregivers avoid the dangers of burnout in their mission and commitment to caring for others.

Coping strategies

Fedus discussed the importance of empathy as an essential component of any therapeutic alliance and explained the different ways that caregivers commonly experience compassion fatigue and burnout. 

In addition to sharing coping strategies for burnout, Fedus outlined self-care skills to utilize in response to stress. 

Some of the techniques she highlighted were:

·         Meditative Techniques: These include basic meditation techniques, or a quieting of the mind, along with focused meditation, which is often accompanied by intentional breathing. Also a beneficial technique is activity-oriented meditation, such as yoga, mindfulness (remaining present in the moment), and spiritual meditation.

·         Self-Care Skills: Some helpful skills to practice include breathing, guided imagery, therapeutic movement, journal writing, expressive art, healthy nutritional habits, clarifying and communicating your feelings, and restructuring your thoughts. Living according to your own values and beliefs in order to guard what is most important in your life is also a helpful skill to practice.

Fedus also offered a Self-Care Action Plan for caregivers to use as a resource to identify how stress affects their mind, body, and spirit, and provided several thought-provoking questions, a mission statement challenge, and a reading and resource guide for further consideration and application. 

For information on aging and care-giving, contact Fedus at donna@borrowmyglasses.com, or at 203-318-8100, or visit her at borrowmyglasses.com.

Many thanks to all of the caregivers who attended this workshop and to Fedus for presenting this important topic.

Crosby Commons at Wesley Village is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes (UMH), a local, faith-based not-for-profit organization based in Shelton, CT. 

Wesley Village periodically offers workshops with continuing education credits and special programs for professionals who work with older adults. 

To add your name to the mailing list and stay informed of future programs, contact Dave Primini, 203-225-5020.

For information about Crosby Commons or UMH, visit www.umh.org, or call 203-225-5000.

This is taken from a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Caregiver workshop slated in Seymour

    Free Caregivers Workshops, presented by the Caregivers Workshop Committee of the Valley Senior Services Council, are held on the third Thursday of each month through the month of 
November. 

     The May workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. May 16 at the Seymour Senior Center, 20 Pine St.,  Seymour.

    
    Karen A. Fisher, LLC, a lawyer in Seymour, will present a program on Elder Law.

     Topics covered will include wills, power of attorney, the probate process, and healthcare representatives. 
     The evening will begin with a light dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by the presentation, and close with a brief relaxation exercise. 

    The Valley Senior Services Council is a sub committee of the Valley Council of Health and Human Services. 
     Funding for this workshop series provided by the Valley United Way. Registration is required. Call 203-924-9324.     

This post is taken from a press release from Cathy Williams, co-chair, Valley Senior Services Council and Director, Derby Public Library.