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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Chicken Soup for Caregivers nourishes the body and soul
By Bea Cowlin, LSW
“Chicken Soup for Caregivers” is an ongoing program at the Ralph Froio Senior Center, where a small group of caregivers and their loved ones come together to enjoy a lunch of chicken soup, sandwiches, and good conversation. All caregivers are welcome.
The program is under the direction of Ralph Froio Senior Center Director Jean Beauchemin and the director of the center’s Supportive Day Program Janey Hassinger. She and her assistants, Corrina Hill and Manny Slaughter, work in collaboration with Elder Services Caregiver Coordinator Bea Cowlin.
After lunch with their loved ones, the caregivers come together to share their stories. Some of these evoke laughter, others bring tears. Most important, the group provides a confidential setting for caregivers to discuss personal trials and triumphs resulting in an opportunity for them to learn from and support one another.
What makes this program work is the availability of the Supportive Day Program, which will look after particpants' family members for about two hours at no cost while the caregivers are having their discussion. Knowing that their loved ones are being cared for allows caregivers to relax.
Beauchemin feels that this program “Recognizes the stress that caregivers go through, and acknowledges that sometimes it’s really hard to let go, to let others help you.”
Hassinger adds, “The Supportive Day Program gives the care receivers an opportunity to experience what it is like to attend this type of program, with the possible goal of attendance on a regular basis, giving the caregiver much needed respite.”
One caregiver noted that, “attending the Chicken Soup meetings has given me perspective. I learned how some of my frustrations are miniscule compared to others. The meetings have made me feel good that I have something to offer. I love it when we laugh, it feels so good.”
Another caregivers explained, “I enjoy the informal setting and the small size of the group. It’s so much nicer than meetings where a speaker lectures to a group. The meetings have given me a lot of support from others and have helped me to understand a lot more about Alzheimer’s disease. It is good to talk about the different things that happen while you take care of your loved one. Thank you so much and God bless you all.”
“Chicken Soup for Caregivers” takes place the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 11:15 a.m. at the Ralph Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street, Pittsfield. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. For further information, call Jean Beauchemin at 499-9346 or Bea Cowlin at 499-0524 or 800-544-5242, extension 113.
Bea Cowlin is Elder Services' Caregiver Liaison.