Caregiver Support

   A 'family caregiver' is defined as an adult family member, or another individual who is an informal, unpaid provider of in-home and community care for a person over 60 years of age, who is home-bound and requires constant attention.

   CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: The Bay County Council on Aging sponsors a caregiver support group which meets at the Council on Aging at 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd Friday of each month.

   The Support Group is a wonderful outlet for caregivers to share their difficulties with others who are facing the same situations. Often times one caregiver will offer a solution they have already found. The Caregivers are able to talk and provide support for each other.

   EDUCATION GROUP: The Education Group meetings are held at the Council on Aging Annex at 1:00 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

   Each month the Education Group hosts a different guest speaker. The speakers are selected because they can provide information which will be useful to the needs of the caregivers. In the past, the speakers have included guests from Medicare/Medicaid, Home Health Agencies, Hospice, Legal Services, Elder Law Specialists, and several doctors who specialize in Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, and Geriatrics.

   Both the Support Group and Education Group meetings are open to all caregivers, not just those who have family members receiving services through the Council on Aging. There is no charge to attend the meetings and respite care is provided for the family member if necessary also at no charge.

   The agency provides services to more than 7,000 individuals annually through programs for elderly, disabled and low income persons. Services are provided with no preference to race, gender, religion, or ethnic background. BCCOA offers numerous programs which assist older persons in need. Eligibility and fees vary from program to program.

   THE CAREGIVER CONNECTIONS: The Bay County Council on Aging publishes a bi-monthly newsletter which can be sent to caregivers at no cost. This newsletter will help notify caregivers of upcoming events which would be of interest, current books and other publications which would be of interest, current books and other publications which would be helpful, and offers insights to the problems and difficulties faced by caregivers.

If you have any questions regarding the meetings, the newsletter or the respite provided please feel free to contact Jean Warner at BCCOA, 769-3468

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