VIEWPOINT
In this section, and the "window panes" accessed above, I'll present my personal viewpoint on selected eldercare issues, stories and solutions I've found from around the country, as well as suggestions from readers emailed to us. If you have feedback or comments, or ideas for posting on this site, you'll find a Contact Form using the About Us window pane above.
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I believe strongly that there are times when talking with others, gaining insights and responding to un-biased, neutral questioning can be a significant help to those of us faced with the challenges of caregiving. Here is one solution:
Adult Children Caregiver Support Groups
According to attendees at the recent ASA/NCOA national conference, adult children caregivers tend not to self-identify. The new AARP/NAC report on "Caregiving in the US" indicates that approximately 27% of caregivers seek professional counselors to help cope with stress.
One reader who leads a successful support group for adult children caregivers that has been meeting for over two years wonders if there are other long-term groups running elsewhere. We both have searched the internet, and haven't found many resources, although short-term groups are often available in many communities, particularly faith-based programs.
Two such programs are now active in the San Francisco Bay area. Contact the JFCS-Center for Older Adult Serices at 510-558-7800 for information on their once a month session for adults caring for older relatives who live at a distance; or Monica Nowakowski at 510-802-1725 for the Alta Bates Summit group for adult children caregivers.
Please let us know if you have any resources or information on such groups. Thanks.
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