...helping caregivers so they can better help their loved ones.

Are you caring for someone with dementia? Do you have questions about what your loved one may be experiencing and how best to respond to new behaviors and situations? Do you need assistance working through dementia related challenges? What are effective communication techniques and strategies to help connect with your loved one in a meaningful way? Would you like to talk with a dementia consultant about what is happening and perhaps what to expect as you and your loved one take on this journey together? Jill Costello, a certified Dementia Consultant through Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Caregiving® program, welcomes the opportunity to discuss your concerns as a caregiver for someone living with dementia. Please contact Jill at 912-629-1331 or email JCostello@EdelCaregiverInstitute.org

WILMINGTON ISLAND Caregiver Fellowship and On-Site Assistance The Frank G. Murray Community Center Wednesday, December 4th at 9:30 - 11:30am Caregivers are friends, relatives, in-laws, and spouses – anyone who provides assistance to another, in whatever capacity and whatever their relationship, with no financial benefits. The Edel Caregiver Institute is working with the Frank G. Murray Community Center to provide assistance to family caregivers on the  FIRST WEDNESDAY of the month from 9:30 – 11:30am. 9:30 – 10:30am: Caregiver Fellowship  … Are you gradually feeling more alone — that those around you just don’t seem to get what you are going through? Join us for a safe place to connect with other caregivers who truly understand. Learn and discover strength, emotional support, and a necessary sense of community with like-minded people. This group is non-disease specific to encourage caregivers to focus on their own concerns and circumstances. 10:30 – 11:30am: On-Site Assistance  … Meet one-on-one with a representative from the Edel Caregiver Institute to discuss your personal caregiver journey and how we may be of assistance in providing resources, education, and support.   For more information, contact The Frank G. Murray Community Center at 912-898-3320 or Jill Costello at the Edel Caregiver Institute at 912-629-1331 or  JCostello@EdelCaregiverInstitute.org

Caregiver Support Groups

Are you gradually feeling more alone? Do those around you just not seem to get what you are going through? How about an hour to focus on YOUR needs while meeting like-minded caregivers to share information and coping skills? These groups are non-disease specific to encourage caregivers to focus on their own concerns and circumstances. If you are a caregiver in need of support, please join us at any or all of the following monthly meetings facilitated by the Edel Caregiver Institute. ALL SUPPORT GROUPS ARE OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY.

Caregiver support groups are made possible due to generous funding from the Oaks at Pooler.

Edel Caregiver Institute located in the Demere Center for Living Tuesday, December 10th : 10:00-11:00am Monday, December 23rd: 1:00-2:00pm 6000 Business Center Dr., Savannah Additional Info: Jill Costello at 912-629-1331 or JCostello@EdelCaregiverInstitute.org

RICHMOND HILL The Suites at Station Exchange Wednesday, December 11th: 10:00-11:00am 3205 TSX Grand Central, Richmond Hill For additional info contact Station Exchange Senior Care at 912-445-2425

The ALS Association holds their monthly support group at the Demere Center for Living in Savannah on the second Tuesday of each month. Please contact the ALS Care Services team if you have any questions: 888-636-9940 or 404-636-9909 or  careservices@alsaga.org

Are you a caregiver in Effingham County?

The Edel Caregiver Institute will now be available to meet with caregivers at the  United Way Service Center in Rincon  located at  711 Zitterour Road . *Our office hours for December will be: Thursday, December 12th from 9:30am - 3:30pm and Thursday, December 19th from 9:30am - 3:30pm Please contact Jill Costello at 912-629-1331 or email:  JCostello@EdelCaregiverInstitute.org  for assistance or to schedule an office appointment. ** The Edel Caregiver Institute will also be available to meet with caregivers at United Way Service Centers in Liberty Co., Richmond Hill, and Pembroke starting in January 2020!

On-Site Caregiver Assistance for Resident Families The Edel Caregiver Institute is partnering with the following assisted living facilities to provide one-on-one care consulting for resident families. Please note the specified times and contact information for more information.

Savannah Commons Monday, December 2nd from 10:30am-1:30pm Contact Hannah McBride at 912-667-0591 or email: Hannah. McBride@savannahcommons.com for more information.

Oaks at Pooler Tuesday, December 10th from 12:30-3:30pm Contact Kim Keough at 912-348-2360 or email: Kim.Keough@OaksSeniorLiving.com for more information.

Buckingham South Wednesday, December 11th from 1:00-3:00pm Contact Janet Sweeney at 912-355-5550 for more information.

Caregiver Assistance at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion Monday, December 9th 11:30am-1:30pm LCRP is located at 225 Candler Drive in Savannah. Please contact Sarah Copeland at 912-819-5167 or email: CopelandSa@sjchs.org for more information.

Caregiver Stress Relief: Schedule some relaxation time just for you!      Restorative Yoga and Deep Relaxation Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30am at the Edel Caregiver Institute Join us for a yoga session that is focused on relaxation and quieting the mind.  This is not a stretching class , instead props such as bolsters and blankets are used to support the body. This allows the breath to move freely, encouraging the muscles to relax, and the mind to quiet. Within a short time, this practice encourages you to become submerged in a deeply relaxed state and drop into the silent space within.  No previous experience is necessary. Dress comfortably. Please contact Elizabeth at 912-629-1069 or email: EBrodhead@HospiceSavannah.org for more information.

VOICES That Heal December 11th from 11:00-12:00 at the Demere Center for Living We invite you to carve out an hour to be restored and delighted by Voices that Heal! In partnership with the  Savannah VOICE Festival , we present a “listening lab” of vocal music concentrating on early jazz from the first four decades of the 20th century. You are encouraged to come in comfy clothes and simply disengage from the busyness of the holiday season. This time of listening and healing relaxation is presented free of charge. Come enjoy music by such greats as Louis Armstrong, the Harry James Orchestra, Frank Sinatra and Perry Como. Guests will also hear from Hospice Savannah’s Certified Music Therapist who will briefly explain how she uses music from this era in her therapeutic work with our patients.

Have you ever left a doctor's appointment with more concerns or questions than before you went in? Perhaps you felt rushed or were embarrassed, even hesitant to ask for more details? Project Sherpa A complimentary service of the Edel Caregiver Institute Would you find it helpful if a doctor accompanied you and/or your care recipient to their next medical appointment to be an advocate on your behalf? Project Sherpa's retired medical professional volunteers do just that at no charge ! Your Sherpa will help ask questions and gather all the facts so that, together, you can make the best medical decisions for your, or your loved one's care.  Click here  for more information or call our office at 912-629-1331.

While there is no charge for our classes or support groups, we gratefully accept donations. Please contact Jill at 912-629-1331 or by e-mailing JCostello@EdelCaregiverInstitute.org with questions or concerns. Unless otherwise noted events are held at the Edel Caregiver Institute located at 6000 Business Center Drive, Savannah 31405. Visit us online at www.EdelCaregiverInstitute.org  The Edel Caregiver Institute is part of the Hospice Savannah, Inc. continuum of care.

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