Caregivers Connections is a new opportunity offered by Copper Shores Community Health Foundation, helping family caregivers connect with other caregivers who share their passions and struggles in providing support to others.
Caregiving includes individuals who assist family members or close friends facing challenges related to mental health, behavioral issues, medical conditions, aging, and other needs requiring additional support.
Caregivers Connections will be co-facilitated by a mental health professional from Copper Shores and a volunteer caregiver. Caregivers of all types can come together to find solidarity and community, as well as break out in smaller groups to discuss the challenges they face.
“I don’t think many people appreciate all of the work that goes into caregiving,” said Brian Rendel, Copper Shores program director. “Caregivers understand what the role entails more than anyone.”
The job of caring for a loved one usually involves 24/7 availability, boundless patience and plenty of empathy, all while being unpaid. Many caregivers hold another job outside of caring for a loved one back at home, leaving little-to-no time for self-care. Caregivers Connections gives people the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences.
“Many caregivers don’t have much freedom; they are always on call and always available, often without a break,” said Rendel. “If you find yourself in a role where you are someone's caregiver, where your support and encouragement and availability is to the care and welfare of somebody else, come to the group. You’re not alone.”
Caregivers Connections is free to attend, taking place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26 at the Copper Country Mental Health Institute (900 W. Sharon Avenue; Houghton) and will include light refreshments. The meeting will begin with a brief introduction, followed by social time for attendees to connect with others who share similar caregiving responsibilities, before concluding with a short wrap-up.
Learn more about Caregivers Connections by visiting coppershores.org/caregivers.