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 homebound and requires constant attention.  The Bay County Council on Aging provides support for caregivers in a number of ways.  

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CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Bay County Council on Aging sponsors a caregiver support group which meets monthly at the agency's Respite Center.  Meetings are on the 2nd Friday of the month at 1:00 pm. 

 

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.

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CAREGIVER EDUCATION GROUP

The education group meetings are also held at the Respite Center on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm.

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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.  Speakers include guests from home health agencies, hospice, professional therapists, Legal Services, elder law specialists, and doctors who specialize in Alzheimer's Disease, dementia and geriatrics.

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Meetings for both the Support Group and the Education Group 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.

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The Golden Edition Newsletter

The Bay County Council on Aging publishes a monthly newsletter which can be sent to caregivers at no cost.  The newsletter includes a section for caregivers which provides information about upcoming events and other topics of interest for caregivers.  Topics include current books and other publications of interest, as well as articles offering insight to the problems and difficuties faced by caregivers.

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For questions about caregiver meetings, the newsletter, or for more information regarding available caregiver support, please contact Jean Warner at (850) 769-3468.