Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | September 25, 2023 | Worcester Business Journal 21 under, so it is a good idea to listen to others when they offer help or express concern. Nearly half of caregivers do not seek any help, according to the Family Care- giver Alliance. Not only can a support group connect a caregiver with like-minded people experiencing similar challenges, the meetings also offer a break from the day-to-day tasks that become common- place. Regular meetings with a therapist or counselor can also be beneficial. Many elder services organizations – region- al access points for federally funded programs that assist the elderly – run caregiver support groups. Deb Dowd-Foley, a longtime caregiv- er support specialist for Elder Services of Worcester Area, encourages caregiv- ers to take advantage of any resource available in the community to avoid isolation. "Caregiver support groups are free. It's a chance to be with others who are going through what you are going through," Dowd-Foley said. Know your rights It is OK to get upset as a caregiver. You might even feel depressed from time to time. ese feelings aren't unusual. In fact, negative emotions are an expected part of caregiving, as spelled out in author Jo Horne's Caregiver Bill of Rights in her 1985 book, "Caregiving: Helping an Aging Loved One." "I have the right to … get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionally," it reads. To avoid getting stuck in nega- tive emotions, empowerment is key. Dowd-Foley recommends reaching out to the local office of the statewide Family Caregiver Support Program such as the Elder Services of Worcester Area chapter, in order to find out what resources you and your aging loved one qualify for. In some cases, an adult day program that provides engaging activi- ties and socialization may provide relief during work hours. Dowd-Foley encourages people to talk to workplace human resources de- partments about flexible work arrange- ments to allow for daytime caregiving and to explore Family Medical Leave Act options as needed. Sources: AARP; National Institute on Aging; Family Caregiver Alliance; Alzheimer's Association; American Heart Association; University of Michigan W Who is a caregiver? A caregiver can be anyone who: • Runs errands • Buys groceries • Cooks and prepares meals • Provides transportation • Assists with medical needs • Moves someone from room to room or from a bed to a chair • Sets up appointments • Offers companionship Basics of self-care: • Ask for help when needed. • Spend time with friends. • Join a support group – in person or online. • Take breaks each day. • Keep up with hobbies. Source: National Institute on Aging Heather Dobbert, a caregiver at Worcester insurer Fallon Health caregiver, works with a client. Expect more from retirement. Infinitely more. Imagine living where you have the space and inspiration to grow in every way. To follow your vision for yourself. To expand your interests and inner fulfillment. Arts, fine dining, hobbies, friendships and fun – whatever you like to do, you can do it here, surrounded by beauty and kindness. Best of all, we offer lifestyles for every unique need, including independent living, enhanced living, memory care, private care, palliative and hospice services, all met with on-site, world-class care services. Call 508-388-8088 and view senior living from a whole new perspective. Voted Best Senior Living Community of Central Mass 6 years running Overlook-Mass.org 88 Masonic Home Road | Charlton, MA 01507 Sponsored by the Masonic Health System of Massachusetts PHOTO | COURTESY OF FALLON HEALTH

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