Caregiving can be a lonely task. Sometimes it may help just to know that you are not alone. Each week, hospice volunteer Cher Bergt, along with a hospice social worker, hosts the Caregiver Support Group. In her own words below, Cher shares the goals of the group as well as the ways that she has seen the group make a difference in the lives of caregivers.
A safe space
“We have people who have found us to help them sort out how to manage their lives as a caregiver. Sometimes it is very stressful and very overwhelming especially as you join hospice. The Caregiver Support Group gives them an opportunity to have a place to open up and share with other caregivers some of their common stressors really.”
An honest place
“We have had people who have really leaned into it and enjoyed their opportunity to meet other caregivers and have a chance to speak out what it is that is so hard for them on a daily basis.”
A connecting point
“Most recently, we had a couple who had his father in their home who was reaching his last days and one of the other caregivers in the group was a woman who was a mother who was reaching her last days also. These two connected in such a beautiful way. I felt like I was just sitting back and giving them an opportunity to speak to each other. They formed a beautiful relationship and as I understand it, they are continuing to stay in touch. This is exactly what we are looking for – an opportunity for people to get to know each other and realize they are not alone.”
How to get connected
** NEW in-person offerings available ** Click here to learn more.
The Caregiver Support Group meets each Thursday at 2 p.m. by Zoom. If you would like more information, please contact your social worker or a member of your care team. There is no RSVP necessary to join the group each week. Just follow the instructions below to join.
- Go to www.zoom.us/join
- Enter the Meeting ID
- Meeting ID: 858 9403 9853
- Click Join
- Click Open Zoom Meeting
- Enter the Passcode
- Passcode: 463757
- Click Join Meeting
If you have trouble accessing the group, please call us at 336.889.8446.