Bereavement support group starts Monday at Seymour Community Center

 

'Circle of Friends' memory: Pounding the Pavement for Pink in 2014

On Saturday I posted a 2019 Seymour Pink 5K memory; today a photo from the 2014 event popped up in my Facebook memories.

Ansonia Senior Center offers bereavement support gorup

 The senior center is at 65 Main St., Ansonia.

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Wesley Village in Shelton hosts monthly support group for caregivers

SHELTON - There are 80,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in Connecticut and twice as many caregivers, many unpaid family members, and friends. 

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be challenging. Changes in the person’s behavior as the disease progresses can lead to frustration and anxiety. We [at Wesley Village] are here to help.

In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, Wesley Village hosts a support group at its senior living campus, 580 Long Hill Ave., on the second Tuesday of each month. 

The group is free to attend and specifically designed for those caring for someone with any form of dementia. 

The next meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday.

Alzheimer’s Association® support groups, led by trained facilitators, are a safe place for care partners to develop a support system, exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions, talk through issues and ways of coping and learn about community resources.

"When caring for the most important people in our lives, it can seem selfish to carve out a small amount of time for our own well-being,” said Ann Panagulias, Activities Director at Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights, a memory care neighborhood on the campus. Panagulias, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, co-facilitates the group at Wesley Village with the Alzheimer’s Association.  “One member of our group often reminds us what flight attendants advise before every take-off: ‘Put on your oxygen mask first, then assist others.’  A key to good caregiving is being a healthy caregiver.  Our inspirational group provides a safe space to talk, listen, breathe, cry and even laugh. "

Those interested in participating in the group may contact Ann Panagulias at 203-447-5407 or apanagulias@umh.org.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, support groups or any of the Alzheimer’s Association education classes, contact the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900, the Connecticut Chapter main office at 860-406-3040 or visit www.alz.org/ct. 

Reach out. You do not have to go through this alone. 

About the Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia - by 

accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. 

Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About Wesley Village: Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Avenue in Shelton and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203.225.5024. 

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Life Health and Wellness Center in Ansonia to host Youth Support Group via Zoom

 

Seymour Community Services to host virtual caregiver support group

Shared from Seymour Community Services' Facebook page:

"Everyday millions of Americans do the incredibly important but undervalued work of caring for aging parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, and loved ones with illness or disability.
According to research studies, the two most commonly cited needs of caregivers are someone talk with who will listen to them non-judgmentally and time for themselves." 

Taking Names for Interest List - Group to start in January. 

During the pandemic meetings will take place virtually. Group will be surveyed for best date and time. Minimum of 6 people to run group.

Everyday millions of Americans do the incredibly important but undervalued work of caring for aging parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings and loved ones with illness or disability.  According to research studies, the two most commonly cited needs of caregivers are someone to talk with who will listen to them non-judgmentally and time for themselves.

Learn more and click here to register 

About the Group
* During the Pandemic meetings will take place virtually.
* Group will be surveyed for best date and time.
* Minimum Of 6 people to run group 
* A Free, monthly program for Caregivers of any age 
* Learn Valuable tips to make everyday life a bit easier 
* Socialize and talk with other family caregivers
* Recreation & Educational programs by guest speakers and instructors
About the Facilitator:
* Ann (Nancy) Rhodes APRN -BC Author / Speaker
* Author of Caregiver Success    
* Owner of Mobile Family Health Nurse
* Follow her on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram at CaregiverSuccess how to videos
Facebook.com/caregiversuccess for teaching aids and speaking event.

This group is made possible through the Community Service Department and a grant from the Matthias Foundation. Once we understand the interest a survey will be sent to determine the best day and time for the participants. 

Ann Rhodes, APRN-BC, Bio

Ann (Nancy) Rhodes, APRN-BC, is a nurse practitioner who has worked in home care and house calls for over 40 years. She saw the need to organize a book that could provide practical medical tips and tools to solve common medical problems she regularly encountered in the home that could prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and suffering.

In the self-published book "Caregiver Success", available on Amazon.com and at www.caregiversuccess.com, released on February 20, 2020, Rhodes offers information to empower you or your lord one so you can stay out of the hospital possibly helping to reduce medical crises, and have a better quality of life.

Preliminary Agenda

• January - Meet and greet, Tips for Managing through COVID-19
• February- Taking Care of the Caregiver
• March- Fall Prevention. Tips and tools
• April- Advanced Directive- do you have one?
• May- Finding resources in your community
• June- Open Forum 

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers ongoing bereavement support groups

Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital offers ongoing, free support groups for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one.

These groups are facilitated by caregivers in Griffin’s Department of Spiritual Care and Education and provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encouraging healing and growth.

Interested individuals can join a group that meets on Tuesdays from 4-5:30 p.m. or one that meets on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. 

These groups are open to individuals of all ages and are experiencing different types of loss.

The groups are currently meeting in person and virtually for those who choose stay at home.

Due to limited capacity, pre-registration is required. 

To learn more or to register, contact Eric Jeuland, 203-732-1100 or Ejeuland@griffinhealth.org. 

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby Neck Library slates Virtual Break Room for parents

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library will host a Parents' Virtual Break Room from noon to 12:45 p.m. Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27.

Need some ideas to help you with homeschool/after-school projects? Looking for someone just to vent to on your lunch break? 

Join us Tuesdays at noon for a virtual parent support group focused on keeping each other sane during this school year. We'll also discuss the latest news and mindfulness techniques for managing it all. 

Feel free to bring your lunch! 

Email kwarrenger at derbynecklibrary.org or send us a message on social media to be added to the mailing list.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

MS support group to meet at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

SHELTON - A regional, self-led MS support group will meet from 1-2:30 p.m. March 11 at Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St.
Group members discuss topics of interest and share information; new members are welcome. The meeting will be held in the handicapped-accessible Meeting Room at the Library.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Talk on overcoming stress offered at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Contributed photo

DERBY - The Griffin Health Stroke Support Group will host a discussion on overcoming stress from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. 

The discussion will cover mindfulness and how attempting to control breathing and to focus on the moment can help manage stress. 

RSVP at 203-732-7445.

The Center for Cancer Care is at 350 Seymour Ave.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Seymour to start 'Time for Me' caregivers' support group

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Community/Senior Center is launching a program called “Time for Me”- a Caregivers' Support Group for Family Caregivers.

The monthly program focuses on personal renewal of the caregivers to be able to socialize and enjoy the company of other caregivers. Recreational and educational activities will be included at the meetings.

Meetings will be held the first Monday of every month starting Nov. 4, from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St.

The program is open to all Seymour residents and Seymour Senior Center members at no cost. Pre-registration is required. 

To register call 203-888-0406 or visit www.seymourcommunityservices.com.

The theme is "Who Cares for the Caregiver."

This is a press release from the Seymour Senior Center.

MS Support Group to meet at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

MS Support Group
Plumb Memorial Library
65 Wooster St., Shelton
1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9

SHELTON - A regional self-led group that discusses topics of interest and shares information; new members are welcome. 
The group meets in the Library's ground-floor, handicapped accessible meeting room off of the parking lot.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Griffin Hospital in Derby launches stroke support group

Griffin Hospital is starting a new stroke support group for survivors and caregivers./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is starting a new support group to help stroke survivors and their caregivers understand the effects and manage their lifestyles.

Starting Oct. 14, the Griffin Health Stroke Support Group will meet on the second Monday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

The group will provide education to survivors and caregivers to help them understand physiological and psychological effects post stroke, and provide an emotional outlet through group discussions.

Guest speakers will be invited to discuss various topics, including fatigue, stress, exercise, and local and national resources.

For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 203-732-7445.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Pounding the Pavement for Pink in Seymour Saturday

This photo from five years ago came up today in my Facebook memories. 
I'm ready to walk tomorrow with our Circle of Friends from Griffin Hospital at the eighth annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink in downtown Seymour! 

And from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday:

Stevens Ford Lincoln, 717 Bridgeport Ave., Milford, invites you to the 10th Annual Stevens Ford Lincoln, Cars for the Cure, hosted by the dealership and Seymour Pink.
Live entertainment, raffles, prizes, and fun! First 100 entries receive GOODIE BAGS!

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host Better Breathers Club

DERBY - Griffin Health has partnered with the American Lung Association to help individuals manage lung disease and live better.

Griffin will host monthly meetings for the Lung Association’s Better Breathers Club® starting  Sept. 4 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the hospital.

Better Breathers Clubs are welcoming support groups offered at no charge to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other chronic lung diseases. 

The club brings people together to learn how to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

The club will provide support, education and socialization to help participants:

• Better manage their condition
• Talk to their healthcare provider
• Tracking symptoms, understanding medicines and treatment
• Managing everyday activities (bathing, dressing, shopping)
• Share experiences, challenges and skills with others
• Learn about resources and activities in the community
• Become more active

“Chronic lung diseases are not curable, but they can be managed,” said Liza Mecca, BA, RRT, AE-C, director of Respiratory Services at Griffin Hospital. “The Better Breathers Club helps people understand that they are not defined by their condition and that they can live well with chronic lung disease.”

For more information or to register, contact Liza, 203-732-7574 or lmecca@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Abundant Life Ministries in Ansonia to host support group for grandparents

Adam's House in Shelton slates outing this week for widows' support group

Many times we have been asked, "Does Adam's House have a group for widows? " We realize that it is through your shared stories and struggles that you will find comfort and support from each other. Our monthly "Moving Forward" group will have our second outing on July 11th. This group will focus on offering each other encouragement, motivation and strength as we shape our next chapter. This group is for men and women who are looking to be an active participant in their recovery. We will meet next off-site on Thursday, July 11th. Interested? Please click the link below to register: I am ready to Move Forward!

BHcare to start Family Strong support group in Ansonia

Support group at Griffin Hospital in Derby to discuss diabetes, heart health

Griffin Hospital to host presentations on how diabetes self-management can improve heart health./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about how diabetes self-management can improve heart health March 12 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 

Since February was heart month and diabetes is closely linked with heart disease, Griffin’s Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will lead an open discussion on “Being Heart Smart.” 

Everything people diagnosed with diabetes do to manage their diabetes helps reduce cardiac risk factors, so the presentation will discuss steps to better manage diabetes as well as being more heart healthy. 

There also will be discussion of medications for diabetes that also have cardiovascular benefits.

The presentations will be in the hospital’s Dining Room Meeting Room 1.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September-June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

No registration is required. 

The hospital is at 130 Division St. For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

MS Support Group to meet at Shelton Community Center

MS Support Group
2 p.m. Jan. 14

A regional, self-led support group discusses topics of interest and shares information; new members are welcome.

Due to renovations at Plumb, the meeting will be held at the Shelton Community Center Art Room #2, 41 Church St., Shelton.


This information is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.