'Virtual' support groups available for Northeast Florida caregivers
Beth Reese Cravey @BethReeseCravey
Apr 19, 2019 at 11:51 AM Apr 20, 2019 at 5:18 PM
Next month, ElderSource will launch Virtual Support Groups for caregivers who are feeling isolated but cannot leave their loved one.
Caregivers will connect face-to-face in real time to ask questions and share information and their personal stories, using Internet access and a smart phone, tablet, iPad, desktop computer or laptop computer. A video conferencing app will be used and a facilitator will instruct caregivers how to use the app, according to ElderSource, which is the Area Agency on Aging and Disability Resource Center for Northeast Florida.
"Some caregivers feel alone in their caregiving duties and often are isolated from friends and social activities, feeling disconnected," said ElderSource CEO Linda Levin. "Caregivers without support from other caregivers in similar situations may feel as though no one really understands."
The support groups, each with 10 to 12 participants and led by a moderator, will meet 60 to 90 minutes weekly for six to eight weeks. Any caregiver in Northeast Florida can participate. The first support group will begin May 8 and two to three others will be added based on demand, according to ElderSource.
To participate, refer someone else or get more information, email Louise Starmann at louise.starmann@eldersourceinstitute.org or call Levin at (904) 391-6610.
ElderSource serves Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia counties, and its other programs. For more information, go to myeldersource.orgor call the HelpLine at (888) 242-4464.
Beth Reese Cravey: (904) 359-4109