Support Groups

WEDNESDAYS, MAY 17; JUNE 21

10 A.M. • SPRINGS COMMUNITY ROOM

This group offers support for residents or family members who are caregivers for someone with dementia. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow caregivers, share ideas and discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of providing care for a loved one. If there is a need for respite, a coinciding group offering supervised activities for your loved one with dementia is available. Pre-registration is required. Contact Emily Reese, Connections Program Coordinator, at (239) 454-2134 or Connections@shellpoint.org to register your loved one for the supervised activity program or with questions about the group.

FRIDAY, MAY 5; NO MEETINGS FROM JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER

1 P.M. • MANATEE ROOM/IS

Anyone impacted by diabetes or looking to learn more including spouses or family members are invited to attend the Diabetes Support Group. Each monthly meeting covers a different topic and includes an open discussion and an opportunity to share. Call Vivian Ciulla at (239) 225-2929 for more information.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24; NO MEETINGS FROM JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER

1:15 P.M. • SOCIAL CENTER/IS

Poor hearing can affect many aspects of one’s life. This group seeks to help residents cope with hearing loss, share information, learn about services and products that may help and offer support to each other. This is a great opportunity to try out the assisted listening devices available in the Social Center. For more information, call Healthy Living Coordinator Robert Torres at (239) 433-7975.

MONDAY, MAY 1; NO MEETINGS FROM JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER

10 A.M. • SOCIAL CENTER/IS

The Heart Healthy group aims to provide support and educational information to individuals living with heart disease. The goal of the group is to allow members to share their experience, fears, and solutions to help everyone from the newly diagnosed to those managing heart disease for many years. For more information, please contact Healthy Living Coordinator Lorena Nazario at (239) 454-2295.

PARKINSON’S ENRICHMENT

TUESDAY, MAY 2; NO MEETINGS FROM JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER

10:15 A.M. • SOCIAL CENTER/IS

The Parkinson’s Enrichment Group aims to provide support and educational opportunities to those affected by Parkinson’s disease as a patient, caregiver, family member, or friend. Meetings include speakers, group discussions, and emotional support. For more information, call Healthy Living Coordinator Christy Hayford at (239) 433-7939.

TUESDAY, MAY 9; NO MEETINGS FROM JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER

2:15 P.M. • SOCIAL CENTER (SMALL SIDE)/IS

This group provides educational opportunities and support for those individuals dealing with low vision. Discussions may include the emotional aspects of vision loss, investigating solutions, helpful tools, and sharing resources. At every session, you will learn a “quick eye exercise” that you can utilize at home and share with others. Please join us to share your story, your knowledge, as well as your experiences, with other residents. For additional information, contact Healthy Living Coordination at (239) 454-2299.

For Susan Schmitt (Lakewood), the benefits of her poles became especially evident during a recent trip to the hospital—and the rehabilitation that followed. “The ambulance forbade a walker, but I was able to take my poles along with me to the ER. For eight days in Health Park, and later at the Larsen Health Center, the poles provided security for walking,” said Susan.

“These poles fill a huge need in my life. They allow me to stand tall and to distribute weight to my arms while balancing. For mobility outside home, they allow security without the cumbersomeness of a walker. As balance and strength improve, I hope to use one cane consistently. But along the way, my poles prove vital. I am so grateful to Debbie for introducing them.”

For Susan Schmitt (Lakewood), the benefits of her poles became especially evident during a recent trip to the hospital—and the rehabilitation that followed. “The ambulance forbade a walker, but I was able to take my poles along with me to the ER. For eight days in Health Park, and later at the Larsen Health Center, the poles provided security for walking,” said Susan. “These poles fill a huge need in my life. They allow me to stand tall and to distribute weight to my arms while balancing. For mobility outside home, they allow security without the cumbersomeness of a walker. As balance and strength improve, I hope to use one cane consistently. But along the way, my poles prove vital. I am so grateful to Debbie for introducing them.”

BY DEBBIE STAPLETON, FITNESS COORDINATOR