First Church in Belmont Celebrates National Family Caregivers Month!
Thank you, members of First Church, for responding with enthusiasm when the Community Care team invited all of you to share your support for family caregivers. In the past two weeks we have heard from new volunteers, listened to your stories of caregiving, and heard your support for deepening our culture of care in our community.
Our series of discussions on family caregiving kicked off successfully with the poetry reading and conversation on caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, hosted by Fran Yuan.
We continue in November with two more. On November 15th, from 12:30-2 pm in the parlor, we will host, “Nourish your body, nourish your soul – a small group discussion on caregiver burnout.”
The discussion, led by Sheila Cavanaugh, a board-certified chaplain at Brigham & Women’s hospital, will open up a dialogue on caregiver burnout – a little-discussed phenomenon impacting a growing number of individuals. Resources for caregivers on this topic aren’t as numerous as those for how to care for their loved ones, but one thing is certain: community helps.
In the spirit of Kapwa, the Filipino tradition of “Community with a capital C,” we will provide a light lunch, with a twist. Attendees will learn about two Asian-inspired dishes from co-host Christine Dunn that are nutritious and easy to make in 30 minutes or less – an important strategy for caregivers to sustain themselves and their loved ones.
On November 18th, from 6:30-8 pm, we will host the discussion, “Navigating the maze of care management.” Heather Nahas, MPA and Associate Care Manager from Smith Integrated Care Services will answer questions and share her more than 30 years experience in elder care and in health and social services across government, private, and non-profit agencies, including Medicare and MassHealth. Most importantly, she draws from her experience caring for her own aging mother, which deepened her commitment to helping older adults and their families. This event will be at the home of Christine Dunn, and will similarly offer Kapwa-inspired refreshments.
All are welcome.
If you have any questions, please email the Community Care team at communitycare@uubelmont.org.
And if you or a loved one need support in the day-to-day of your caregiving role, please let us know that, too. Whether by organizing meal trains, providing transportation, or making a grocery run, we are here to help.
