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From the Director: An alternative to the
governor's Plan
Budget Cuts & Councils on Aging
Helen
Vanasse, Community Service Volunteer of the Year
Yvette
Bastow, Money Management Volunteer of the Year
Nutrition Volunteer of the Year
Jim Smith, SHINE Volunteer of the Year Award
Elder Services welcomes new volunteers
Elder Services celebrates National Volunteer Week
Francesca Byrne, Ombudsman Volunteer
Winner
Trainings offered to volunteers
A call to Action for elders
Caregivers deserve care - a new group to help provide it
By Jeanne B. Siegel, Planner
The Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association and Elder Services are pleased to be collaborating on a new project to provide support and information for people caring for family members who can no longer care for themselves.
A new Caregiver Support Group is being offered by Elder Services and the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association on the second Wednesday of the month, starting May 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Elder Services, 66 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield. This program is free and open to the public.
One of the most challenging jobs is the task of being the caregiver for a loved one. Whether it be full time or part time, family caregivers play a vital role in providing compassionate care; but who cares for them? It is not uncommon for seriously ill people to be depressed, and a recent study showed that 46-59% of their caregivers also suffer from depression. Whether the care receiver has Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, heart disease, or any other illness, the caregiver can benefit from this monthly informational and support program. This project is made possible by a grant that the Lee Regional Visiting Nurse Association received from the Evelyn Stephansson Nef Foundation. This new evening support group comes from a request from people who cannot attend the Monday morning group sponsored by the Lee Regional VNA, and supported by the Berkshire United Way.
Bea Cowlin, L.S.W., Caregiver Liason for Elder Services, will facilitate the group. Cowlin is also the facilitator for a day time group that meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Elder Services. This group is also open to all caregivers. For more information, contact Bea Cowlin at 499-0524, Ext. 113 or 1-800-544-5242.