Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County has announced a new Dementia Caregiver Connection Group that will include a support group for the caregiver, a separate activity for the family member with dementia, followed by a lunch for all participants.
The caregiver component will provide support, as well as techniques and resources for those caring for someone with dementia or other memory impairment. It will be facilitated by JFCS’s Chaplain Beverly Rubman. The activity for the care recipient will be supervised by Artis Senior Living, a new memory care community in Princeton. This activity will be designed to be both engaging and stimulating. Afterward, the couple will reunite for lunch, enabling them to enjoy a meal together in a safe, loving, and relaxed environment. Lunch will be provided by Artis.
It has been proven that support groups are beneficial to caregivers’ psychological well-being. “This program will provide caregivers, also known as ‘invisible second patients’ with the support they so desperately need,” says Michelle Napell, Executive Director of JFCS. “Caregivers of those with dementia are especially lacking in social contact and support. Many are socially isolated because they are too occupied with their support duties or they are unable to leave their partner alone because they don’t have additional help.”
This collaboration between JFCS and Artis Senior Living will be beneficial to the community as both agencies combine their resources, knowledge, and expertise.
Details: Dates: Four Wednesdays: May 9, May 16, May 23, May 30, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Location: Artis Senior Living (861 Alexander Road, Princeton). Cost: $50 for four sessions (includes a complimentary lunch). Register: Contact Beverly Rubman at beverlyr@jfcsonline.org or 609-987-8100, ext. 151. Space is limited.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County is a community service agency that strengthens individuals and families by empowering people to care for themselves and each other. This is accomplished through a wide range of high quality social services and programs including therapy, information and referral, support, education and advocacy. For further information call 609-987-8100.
Artis Senior Living, 861 Alexander Road, Princeton. 609-454-3360. www.artisseniorliving.com
