FAMILY AND CAREGIVERS CHOICES  

Program 1  

“The Help You Need, Today!”  

SOSOPWORLD Support Groups for Caregivers and Families 

The healing potential of individuals and groups is well documented and drop-in support groups offer many of the same therapeutic values as more formal, structured groups. The friendly, open, and informal format of the SOSOPWORLD one on one and drop-in support groups allows caregivers to participate as little or as much as personal comfort levels permit. Caregivers are family members encouraged to attend at their convenience. Caregiver support group meetings are offered each month on an ongoing basis. 

Drop in at one of our monthly support group meetings to discover: 

• There are others who struggle with similar care giving concerns 
• There are new ways to problem solve, cope with change, handle challenges 
• Many opportunities to help others by listening and sharing new ideas from others with shared experiences 

• Be introduced to many valuable community resources and how to access them. 
• Find volunteers who will give you a break from your care giving. Maybe parent sit for a few hours or a day, so you can catch up on personal stuff or just have a coffee break.  

SOSOPWORLD Caregiver Support Groups 

These support groups operate on a membership basis, so pre-registration is required (for program files), but all caregivers are welcome to connect with the program at any time at “CONTACT US”. 

“People don’t care who you are, until they know you care” 

GET INVOLVED TODAY 

Do you remember playing a game called “IT” when you were young? Well, being the prime caregiver is the same. Sometimes we would get lucky and someone else would take a turn, in life, that usually doesn’t happen, Your “IT” till the end. How you handle the daily grind (alone) will have an impact not only the family, but your love one as well. If you were a professional caregiver, you could go home at the end of your shift, but you’re not! You’re on call 24/7.  

Here are some situations you will encounter:   

Caregiving Involves Everyone 

1) How to be a Caregiving Survivor  

• Accepting that your loved one is failing even when they insist that everything is fine, can be heartbreaking. Seeing your Mom or Dad struggling to do simple tasks can leave you hurting and confused. Pull yourself together and figure out what’s needed and then offer your help. Make sure you involve them in all decisions that changes their way of life.  

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

2) What about you and your family? 

• The more time you spend caring for Mom, the less time you have for your family. So, the best way to handle this situation is to get the whole family involved in the caring process. Think of ways to get your young kids and older children to help with exercising or doing Grandma’s nails or picking out a nice outfit for a day of shopping. 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

3) When you’re feeling unappreciated 

• If you feel unappreciated by your siblings or your parent, you may want to consider joining a support group. When you have someone to talk to (other caregivers) they can help you not dwell on the things you’re missing out on and think about what your Mom went through bringing you through your early years up to adulthood. They gave their all, now it’s your turn.

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

4) Fulltime caregiver – how do you pay your bills? 

• It’s a fact that one-third to one-half of all caregivers are employed. Today companies with 50 or more employees must allow up to 12 weeks leave for a caregiver to care for a parent or spouse. In most cases an employer will consent to flexible hours or job sharing. In far too many situations the caregiver will be forced to quit their job to provide full-time care. This is the time when the caregiver needs to list the cost of care (food, medication, transportation and other services. A family meeting needs to take place to discuss how these needs will be met.    

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

5) When they make you feel guilty! 

• As a caregiver, you’re going to have to deal with the fact that no matter how much you do it’s never enough. You just can’t please them and it’s starting to get to you. Realize that you’re doing the best you can with what you have to work with. This guilt will come and go along with other negative feelings.  

 “Click here for Professional Help and support” 

6) The whole family needs to get involved 

• In most families talking about money is taboo. Nobody wants others to know their business. Here are some suggestions to help you discuss how to move forward.  

1. Determine the total cost of your loved one staying at home or going to a care facility. 

1. Does your elder have the resources to pay for care? 

1. Explore the “chipping in” option for all family members. 

 “Click here for Professional Help and support” 

WITH RESPECT 

THE SOSOPWORLD TEAM