The Caregiver Support Group met again this week. There was no guest speaker, just each member talking about their specific situations. Two of the long time members have seen drastic changes since the last time they attended. One man, who hasn't been at the group for many months, has seen his wife go from always being active to now being bed or chair bound. One of the ladies is really having a hard time physically handling her husband because he has declined greatly physically. Although it was a very open discussion, I could see how important the group can be for Caregivers. The gentleman talked about how the group helps him because he can see that things could be much worse. The woman was able to talk with another woman member of the group and really just vent and get her feelings out. It is different to be able to talk to someone who really understands what you are going through as opposed to friends who want to be sympathetic, but just can't relate. They were sharing stories that were funny, one of those if you don't laugh you'll cry. As the research shows, laughter is one of the best stress relievers.
I had invited one of the assisted living resident's daughters to attend. She is not a medical person and wants to learn more about the disease. She was not able to attend and I have to wonder if that is a good thing. Is it better to know what is going to happen or would it be overwhelming? I think this is one of those situations where God has everything under control. I wonder about the same thing with my dad. If they come to visit and he is able to go to a meeting, would it be helpful or would it be overwhelming? Again, I guess the best approach is one day at a time.
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