February 6, 13, and 20 from noon – 1:30 pm, LOVE SERIES: Caregiving . . . What’s LOVE got to do with it?
February will feature lunch and an educational series on the 5 Languages of Love. Speaker Marsha Ward, LMSW will help you learn how to use touch, affirmations, quality time, gifts and service to better connect with your loved one. It is based on the book Keeping Love Alive as Memory Fades: The 5 Love Languages and the Alzheimer’s Journey.
February 10 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm, Unified Dance Workshop
Come explore dance concepts in a safe, friendly, inclusive environment for dancers with and without disability with certified dance instructor Angie Cirnigliaro. The free class is specially adapted to include those with special needs aged 8-21 and their caregivers. RSVP Required. Email Kena at [email protected] or call 803-888-7525 to register.
February 10 from 4 – 5 pm, “Move” For Mobility Dance Workshop
Do you or someone you care for have a mobility issue? Perhaps you would like to improve your balance, flexibility, motor skills or gait. If so, this class is for you. Come explore the benefits of dance in fun and safe environment. This workshop is open to the public and caregivers. It is ideal for all movers with mobility issues, especially Parkinson’s Disease, and is adaptable for seated dancers and those with mobility devices. RSVP Required. Email Kena at [email protected] or call 803-888-7525 to register.
February 11 from 11:30 – 1 pm, Lunch ‘N Learn: Have a Heart, Eat Smart.
February is Heart Health Month. Did you know 2,300 Americans die of Cardiovascular Disease each day? That’s an average of 1 death every 38 seconds. In fact, research shows Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause (43.8 percent) of deaths attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the US, followed by Stroke (16.8 percent), Heart Failure (9.0 percent), High Blood Pressure (9.4 percent), diseases of the arteries (3.1 percent), and other cardiovascular diseases (17.9 percent). Join healthy food promoter, Stephanie DiMaggio, to learn more about CHD, the risk factors of CHD, symptoms, and what you can do to reduce your risk and prevent CHD.
February 13 from 2 – 3 pm, Video Viewing: Nine to Ninety – A Story for Our Times.
It’s important to talk about end-of-life care – and preferably before there is a crisis. This 30-minute PBS documentary beautifully captures the turmoil in three generations of a bi-coastal family as they juggle the caregiving needs of 89-year-old Phyllis and her husband, 90-year-old Joseph. Their story offers the perfect backdrop for discussion on what it takes to live, love, and die with dignity and grace in the modern age.
February 14 from 11:30 – 1 pm, Lunch ‘N Learn: Prevent Senior Hospitalizations
Older adults have a much greater chance of being admitted to the hospital than other age groups. Although this sector makes up 15 percent of our population, they account for nearly 40 percent of hospital admissions and nearly half of all hospital spending for adult care. Join in for a discussion about prevention tools to avoid hospitalization and gain a better understanding of the top risk factors and warning signs that can lead to hospitalization.
February 27 from noon – 1:30 pm, Lunch ‘N Learn: Sensitive Situations in Caregiving
Caring for someone you love often leads to awkward moments that may result in embarrassment for you and your loved one. While bathing, grooming, feeding, or driving can all be uncomfortable, it is important to maintain the person’s privacy, dignity, and independence as much as possible. Learn better ways to handle sensitive situations. Have a sensitive situation you need help with? Bring it up for discussion.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Caregiver Support Groups
You are not alone. Connecting with other caregivers, sharing, venting, learning from each other and facilitators help you gain an understanding that you are not alone. Each group below meets twice a month.
Evening group meets the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6 pm – 7:15 pm
Daytime group meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 1 pm – 2:15 pm
Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group – Meets the second and fourth Tuesday from 11:30 am – 1 pm
This is a group for caregivers who are caring for someone with Parkinson’s Disease.
Caregiver Support Group for Early Stages of Dementia – Meets first and third Tuesday from 11:30 am – 1 pm.
This is a group for caregivers and families adjusting to a new diagnosis of some form of dementia. It focuses on what you need to know, plan and do in order to live the best life possible in the midst of this chronic illness.
Grief Support Group – Meets the second & fourth Monday from 1 – 2 pm
Connect with others who have experienced loss and challenges that living with grief brings.
Keeping the Faith – Meets the first and third Thursday from 1 – 2:15 pm
A non-denominational support group aimed to connect you with other caregivers throughout their spiritual journey.
February 7 will discuss Chapter 24, “Look at the Possibilities”
February 21 will discuss Chapter 25, “Three Treasures”
New caregivers welcome to join our faith-based community.
Breathe Easier Club – Meets the first Wednesday from 11:30 – 1pm Note, this meeting will be held at SCOA in Columbia
This group is for lung cancer survivors and their families. RSVP by calling 803-777-9736.
Art of Coping with Loss – Meets every fourth Thursday from 6:30 – 8 pm
Dr. Delores Gulledge will teach us to use art as medicine when dealing with loss and grief. No experience required.
WELLNESS & ENERGY PROGRAMS
Coffee & Canvas – Meets every Thursday from 10 am – 11:30 am
Ever feel like you just don’t get a chance to connect with other women who get what it’s like to be a caregiver? Well, not anymore. Join in on Thursdays for social time. Coffee and snacks provided. Bring your own projects or just bring yourself and let your creative juices flow.
Men’s Coffee Club- Meets the second and fourth Friday of the month at 9:30am. Connect with other caregivers who have walked the caregiving path over coffee and breakfast.
Healing Rhythms: Drumming Circle of FUN. – Meets third Thursday of each month from 11 am – noon
Cyndi Boot will lead us in the circle of drumming and experience its calming and energizing effects. Group drumming has been shown to help lower stress, enhance the immune system, and it’s FUN.
Beginner Line Dancing – Meets the first and third Tuesday from 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Have fun and relieve stress by learning basic line dancing routines. No experience needed.
SharpFit Brains – Meets the fourth Tuesday from 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Did you know your brain has the incredible ability to reshape itself, to adapt and change if you are willing to stretch it? This is known as neuroplasticity. You don’t have to sign up for a gym. You don’t need a hypnotist. You just need the desire to maintain your brain health and 10 minutes a day exercising your brain. Senior Expert Marsha Clayman will teach us everything needed to know about maintaining the brain while having a little fun.
Leeza’s Care Connection is at the Michael J. and Mary Meech Mungo Home at 201 St. Andrews Road, Columbia. For more information call 803-888-7525 or visit www.leezascareconnection.org.
