The Daughter Caregiver Support Group

Heidi Wagner

The Daughter Support Group is open to any woman in SaddleBrooke who is a caregiver for a parent or an elderly person. The main objective of the group is to provide support to those caregivers, both emotional and informational. Since we have a common goal, we have formed strong friendships while sharing and learning new ways to help our loved ones. You may be able to find out that there are residential aged care services in your location you can use, or find other ways to help ease both you and the one in need of care’s burdens. You do not have to go through this process alone. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed are natural responses for anyone assuming the caregiving role. Joining our group provides the support from other women in your position who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

Of course, caregiving can be a wonderful career path to go down. Not only can you help your own family, it also gives you the experience to work with others in the future. Getting into caregiving can seem complex, however, you can easily look at following the guidance given by CareAgape Senior Homes and others. Caring for the elderly can be extremely rewarding and can help you create strong friendships. It’s definitely a job that will be needed forever. Some people may even decide to get a Certificate iii in individual support Melbourne or a similar type of qualification in their area to help them provide the best and utmost care for the people whom they’re looking after.

The group meets the second Wednesday of each month in 2014 and the first Wednesday of each month in 2015, either at MountainView Country Club or at one of the members’ homes. Programs generally include either a guest speaker or just informal meetings where we can share what is happening in our lives and give each other support. Presentations may be on topics such as dealing with stress, finding the most appropriate care facility, learning about hospice or accessing financial assistance such as veterans’ benefits. Other presentations may be on disease processes such as Alzheimer’s, dementia or other major illnesses.

In addition to the regular meetings, there are two luncheons held eachmont>h. A Mother/Daughter luncheon is held at one of the local restaurants and provides an opportunity for mother and daughter to go out to a social event together with other women. In addition, there is a luncheon for only the daughters held the last Tuesday of each month for members to get together just for fun and to network. Those lunches take place at our SaddleBrooke restaurants.

Information on upcoming programs is available via email. For more information please contact Laurie Brussel at 818-0657 or send her an email at [email protected].