craigdailypress.com

Editor's note: The caregiver mentioned in this story wished to not her name revealed, so her name has been changed to protect her identity.

Chelsea has been taking care of her husband for a year-and-a-half, since he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and chronic obstructed pulmonary disease, and she said it hasn't been easy for her.

But she found a group to help her understand his conditions and encourage her have patience.

"(The best thing is) being able to talk to somebody about it," she said, "because most people don't want to talk about it. They think it's your problem."

The Caregivers Support Group started meeting monthly at Sandrock Ridge Care and Rehab in November. Dr. Pamela Kinder and Regina Grinolds started the group for caregivers to Alzheimer's patients, then expanded the program to include a broader range of participants.

"I just see such a need for caregivers to have something like this," Grinolds, a case manager for elderly blind and disabled persons, said. "The need for caregivers to know they're not alone."

Grinolds' grandmother suffered from Alzheimer's, so she's seen how difficult it can be for families to care for those with illnesses.

The support group meets once a month to talk about what's going on with them and to learn important information from guest speakers, including the resources available and how to help someone up after they've fallen.

Next month's program will focus on respite care resources so that caregivers may find time to leave the house and run errands.

And it seems participants come away with important messages that stick with them while caring for relatives who can sometimes try their nerves. For instance, Chelsea recalled arguing with her husband about whether he had taken his medication.

"I've learned more about the diseases," she said. "You have to learn that it's the disease causing the problems, not the person."

For more information on the Caregivers Support Group, contact Grinolds at 824-3985.

Michelle Perry can be reached at 824-7031 or mperry@craigdailypress.com.