JGS Lifecare Brings Back Caregiver Support Group

LONGMEADOW — Back by popular demand, the JGS Lifecare Caregiver Support Group will hold its first monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 10. Meetings will be held virtually on the second Wednesday of every month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. until the group can return to in-person gatherings.

The support group will be facilitated by Mary-Anne Schelb, director of Business Development on the JGS Lifecare campus, holistic health practitioner, and founder of Intentional Calm, a wellness and consulting firm. The group will offer resident families, as well as members of the local community, advice and strategies on caregiving.

The group is geared to any individual who experiences feelings of stress and/or anxiety when taking care of a loved one. Topics will include caregiver burnout, COVID isolation, financial considerations, and behavioral issues, among many others. This support group is ideal for anyone with questions pertaining to caregiving. In addition to Q&A sessions, there will also be a mix of guest speakers.

“JGS will provide a safe, caring, compassionate, and confidential space to gather while giving attendees valuable information and the resources needed to successfully care for a loved one,” Schelb said.

The JGS Lifecare Caregiver Support Group upholds the ‘three Cs.’ Participants promise to be: caring to all others in the group; compassionate, listening and speaking from the heart; and confidential, since others may be sharing sensitive information. Moreover, participants promise to be kind, and, although they may be sharing challenges, individuals are asked to focus on the positive and give suggestions for solutions.

For more information or to sign up to attend, contact Schelb at mschelb@jgslifecare.org or call (413) 567-6211, ext. 3571.