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April 17, 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.
CONTACT: Kristine A. Brown
Director of Public Relations
(732) 557-3902
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