Baystate Franklin Medical Center Offers Three New Support Groups
GREENFIELD — Baystate Franklin Medical Center is now offering three new support groups for individuals with special needs in the community. All three groups are free, and pre-registration is not necessary.
The Caregiver Support Group was formed to support caregivers in the emotionally and physically taxing role of taking care of loved ones who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to take care of themselves. All caregivers and family members are welcome. The group, which first gathered this week, meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 2 to 3 p.m., in the second-floor Conference Room, 48 Sanderson St., Greenfield (BFMC’s Medical Office Building). For more information, contact Poppi Kelley at (413) 325-4050.
The Stroke Support Group, which held its first meeting in May, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, 10 to 11 am, in Conference Room C. The next meeting will take place Tuesday, June 21. Light refreshments will be available. Diane Stephan, Emergency Department nurse educator and stroke coordinator at BFMC, will facilitate the group. She aims to offer an atmosphere of caring and cooperation, promote new goals and friendships for stroke survivors and their families and caregivers, renew hope, and encourage independence. All stroke survivors, their family members, and caregivers are welcome. For more information, contact Stephan at (413) 773-2641 or diane.stephan@baystatehealth.org.
Newly formed this past winter, the Amputee Support Group aims to assist amputees in their daily lives by offering them the opportunity to share ideas and support each other. Dr. Sohail Waien, a BFMC hospitalist, facilitates the group, which generally meets the third Thursday of the month, 5 to 6:30 p.m., in the conference rooms off BFMC’s main entrance. As there are exceptions to the schedule, attendees should request a detailed schedule. The next meeting will take place Thursday, June 23 (fourth Thursday) in Conference Room C. Friends and family members are also welcome. For more information, e-mail sohail.waienmd@baystatehealth.org.