Chicken Soup for caregivers
By Jean Beauchemin and Bea Cowlin
The Chicken Soup program was created to help both caregiversand their loved ones. On the second Wednesday of each month at 11:15 a.m. at the Ralph Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street in Pittsfield, caregivers come together to enjoy a lunch of chicken soup, sandwiches, and good conversation. This group has created a special bond with each other as they share the challenges and opportunities that only caregivers can understand. With staff members from the Ralph Froio Senior Center and from Elder Services, the Chicken Soup program has proved to be a successful support system.
After eating lunch with their loved ones, the caregivers come together to share their stories, which can evoke laughter and tears. Most important, they are able to talk in a safe and confidential setting, where they learn from and support each another. One caregiver stated, “Attending the Chicken Soup meetings has given me a new perspective. It feels good that I have something to offer others and the connections made. I love it when we laugh, it feels so good.” Adds another caregiver, “You feel comfortable talking about difficulties at the Chicken Soup meeting. The meetings have helped me understand a lot more about Alzheimer’s.”
Ralph Froio Senior Center Director Jean Beauchemin feels that the Chicken Soup program “confirms that decisions made are okay.
It’s really hard to let go — to let others help you. This is a program that fills a need.”
What makes this program possible for the caregiver is the availability of the Supportive Day Program. A caregiver’s loved one can attend the program for free while the caregivers are having their discussion. Knowing that their loved ones are being cared for allows caregivers to relax and not worry for the duration of the meeting. The City of Pittsfield Ralph J. Froio Senior Center operates the Supportive Day Program Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Attendance at Chicken Soup is an excellent opportunity for families and loved ones to experience the program. Often the care receivers decide to attend the day program on a regular basis, thereby providing socialization, companionship, and stimulation while at the same time giving caregivers much needed respite. The pleasant, safe, and social atmosphere offers a wide range of activities including current events, memory sharing, craftwork, games, exercises, trivia, and special events. Program Coordinator Janie Hassinger explains that the program provides friendship and laughter, while at the same time enhancing confidence and dignity for seniors.
All caregivers are welcome to attend the Chicken Soup program, but registration is required. For information, call Jeanne Beauchemin
at 499-9346 or Bea Cowlin and Pat Morissey at 499-0524 or 800-544-5242.
Editor's Note:
Elder Services Family Caregiver Support Program provides information and assistance to caregivers county-wide at no cost. Caregiver Coordinators offer one-on-one sessions, family support and training to help caregivers understand and cope with their role. Several caregiver support groups are offered throughout the month. In addition, the Elder Services Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center at 66 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield is a lending library available to all, containing books, periodicals, videos, and DVDs on caregiving, Alzheimer’s disease, and other related dementias. For more information about the Family Caregiver Support Program, call Elder Services
at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
