HeartLight Center to Host Support Program for Caregivers
By Lori Bolton, ParkLawn Corporation
In an effort to honor the caregiving journey, HeartLight will host a Loving Memorial Gathering and Caregiver Support program on October 30, 2024. The purpose of this first-time event is to process the many grief experiences unique to caregivers, while also paying tribute to the memory of those who have died or are dying.
The impetus for this program came through inquiries about support for caregivers, as well as anticipatory grief and the unique grief experiences for caregivers when there is a degenerative disease diagnosis. The program will focus on the grief and honoring of those being grieved for, while also giving much needed support to the caregivers. The gathering will provide a safe space for caregivers to process experiences, transitions, and also explore self and community care which may help them.
This gathering will be led by master’s level counseling and social work students. It is open to any adult individual who is currently or has been a caregiver to someone with a diagnosis of dementia, cancer, or any degenerative illness (i.e. anyone who experienced a “long goodbye”). Those experiencing anticipatory grief are also invited to this space of memory and honoring.
When asked if this will be an ongoing program or addition to the monthly series’ at HeartLight, Program Director Allison Gary says, “We hope to! If there is enough interest, we are open to starting a monthly Caregiver Support Group online.” HeartLight will also begin hosting Comfort Dinners in 2025 that are open to caregivers.
Use this link to register or send to anyone in your community who may benefit from this program.