"Caregiver Burnout Is Real"
A new group has formed in southern Lorain County to support those taking care of loved ones diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease – early onset dementia, dementia, ALS, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and multiple sclerosis. Carrie Benton, Registered Nurse, founded the Caregiver Support Group after her husband was diagnosed with early onset dementia. She realized that she was alone and struggling for help. “There are no support services for caregivers south of Oberlin,” she says, so she took the initiative to start the group this February. “Caregiver burnout is real. I want people to know that they can learn ways to cope and get support in an informal setting,” she adds.
 
One question that Carrie asked caregivers was:  “What are the top five things that you are struggling with?” Learning where and how to access services was the number one concern.
 
The Caregiver Support Group is open to anyone who cares for someone with a neurodegenerative disease. It will meet on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the LCCC Wellington Center, 151 Commerce Drive.  For information or to join, please contact Carrie at (440) 387-6941 or via email at cbenton1077@gmail.com.