Caregiving
challenges and opportunities to learn; some participants call this caregiving phase their “new normal.” Participating in a caregiver support group is a proven way to help navigate this “new normal.” The group of other caregivers going through similar situations, provides non-judgmental listening, opportunity to ask questions, share ideas on how to work through challenges or resources in the community and respite. Many who attend caregiver support groups—men and women— share that, “This isn’t how we envisioned spending our retirement years.” The group participants accompany one another as they travel this unforeseen path. (continued from page 5) Men as Caregivers one can be stressful and it is difficult to provide care when you are unsure of what you’re doing. You’ll feel much better when you’re confident of your skills and we can help! Give us a call today to sign up for one or both workshops available every month! Must register in advance. To RSVP call: 514-7642 x 201 This training is made possible through a partnership between Pima Council on Aging and Lutheran Social Services. Training is availabe to upaid family caregivers who are caring for someone age 60 or older, or caring for someone of any age suffering from Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.
Support Groups Near You There are many different-focused support groups offered either in-person, or online. Some of the diagnosis-specific caregiver support groups available in Tucson include those offered by the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/dsw/) and American Parkinson’s Disease, Arizona Chapter (https://www.apdapar- kinson.org/community/arizona/resources- support-az/). PCOA’s Family Caregiver Support Groups are open to any adult providing care for someone 60 and older, or for someone of any age caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, at locations in the Tucson metropolitan
area. See page 7 for the current support group schedule, or check the PCOA website: https://www.pcoa.org/ways-we- help/caregiver-support-groups.html/ or call the PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262. As I wrote this article, the heartfelt Bill Withers song “Lean On Me” (©Universal Music Publishing Group) came to mind. The lyrics highlight the importance of letting others know “when you’re not strong” so they “can help you carry on.” The line, “I might have a problem that you’d understand” rings true to the value of a caregiver support group. After all, no matter who you are, and what you are dealing with, “We all need someone to lean on.”
Free Family Caregiver Training Workshop Schedule – July & August The demands of caring for a loved July 26: Tucson City Council, Ward 6 Office, 3202 E. 1st. Street, Tucson, AZ 85716 August 23: Ellie Towne Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705 30 minute break – lunch not provided
Workshop I – MORNING July 26: 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. August 23: 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. • Stress and Time Management • Communication Skills • Alzheimer’s & other related dementias • Infection Control and Providing Personal Care • Nutrition, Assistance with Eating, & Redirecting • Fall Prevention • Activity Planning • Psychological & Emotional Conditions • Grief & End of Life Resources
Workshop 2 – afternoon July 26: 1:00–3:30 p.m. August 23: 1:30–4:30 p.m. • Proper Body Mechanics • Home Environment Safety • Planning for an Emergency • Understanding Assistive Devices • Proper Walking /Transferring Techniques • Re-positioning with Reassessment • Outings and Car Etiquette
To register or receive information, please contact: Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, (520) 514-7642, ext. 201, or email Jason Browne at jbrowne@lss-sw.org
Page 6 | July/August 2019, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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