The Caregiver Support Program is a valuable resource for caregivers who play an important role in the health and well-being of our veterans. Their website is https://www.caregiver.va.gov/. These are just a few of the ways they can assist:
Caregiver Support Line
855-260-3274
Caring licensed professionals staffing the support line can connect you with VA services, a Caregiver Support Coordinator at your nearest VA center or just listen if that’s what you need right now.
Peer Support Mentoring
Caregivers of veterans of all eras can participate in peer support mentoring, both as mentors and as mentees for usually six months. Mentors and mentees communicate using email, phone and letter writing depending on what works for both. If you are unable to commit to six months, one-time support is available through the Compassionate Connections Program.
Building Better Caregivers
Build the skill and confidence to care for your Veteran at home with the free, online workshop, Building Better Caregivers ™. The program has been recognized for its ability to reduce caregiver stress and depression, and increase caregiver overall well-being.
Caring for Seriously Injured Post-9/11 Veterans—the program for Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers provides approved caregivers services such as a monthly stipend, travel expenses, health insurance, mental health services and respite care.
Check out their website for more great information and services.
Mini Bus Trips
Call 860-668-3844 to make a reservation.
Tuesday, July 2:
Holyoke Shopping. Pick up begins at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, July 6:
Lunch at Elizabeth’s. Pick up begins at noon.
Thursday, July 11:
Evergreen Walk. Pick up begins at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, July 16:
Lunch at Ann’s. Pick up begins at noon.
Thursday, July 18:
Walmart Shopping. Pick up begins at 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 23:
Lunch at Summer House. Pick up begins at noon.
Tuesday, July 30:
MGM Casino. Pick up begins at 9 a.m.
Fun & Games
Bingo – Every Wed. and Thurs. at 1 p.m.
Bunco – Every Mon. at 1 p.m. & Fri. at 10 a.m. $5/person.
Card Games – Every Mon. at 1 p.m., every Wed. and Thurs. at 2 p.m.
Golf Card Game – Every Fri. at 12:30 p.m.
Introduction to Card Making – Tues. 7/9 at 9:30 a.m. $10 for four cards.
Knitting – Every Wednesday at 1 p.m. Bring a project you are working on or something you could use some help with!
Mah Jongg Group – Every Monday at 9:30 a.m.
Pickleball – Court is available during July and August on Fridays 8 a.m. – noon in addition to other times during the week.
Ping Pong – we have a ping-pong table available in the game room if anyone would like to play.
Pool Table – open every day.
To Your Health
Blood Pressure Screenings – July 10 and 24 at 11 a.m. – sponsored by Suffield Community Aid.
Foot Care – Tuesday, July 16. Fee is $29. Call to schedule your appointment today.
Hearing Screenings – NOVA Hearing Services provides FREE screenings and services. Call for a July 3 appointment.
SAVE THE DATE – Caregivers’ Health Fair on Tuesday, October 29.
Information & Support
AARP Driving Refresher Course September 17 and October 15 8:30 a.m.–noon.
Ask the Attorney – First Thursday of each month. Please call for an appointment.
Computer Assistance Ask John. Free each Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
Dementia Care Giver Support Group meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. at the Senior Center. Build a support system with people who understand. For more information, call Nicole Matson at 860-810-6123.
Equipment Tune Up – do you have a walker, wheelchair, or cane that needs an adjustment? Stop in on Wednesday, July 10 at 11:30 a.m. Home Helpers Homecare of North Central CT & Louis & Clark Medical Supply sponsors this FREE service.
Medicare – Medicare is complicated. Trained volunteers are available to provide unbiased assistance on the first Wednesday and third Saturday of each month. Call for an appointment.
Memory Café – for those with early to moderate cognitive loss, their friends, and family. Join us for fun, company and conversation every second Wednesday and the last Tuesday of each month from 10:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. A light lunch is included. RSVP to Pat Beeman, MSW, for participant eligibility and/or more information at 860-668-1986. This program is sponsored by Suffield Community Aid and Home Helpers.
Veterans Coffee Hour – July 26 at 8:30 a.m. with Wayne Rioux, veteran and Veteran’s Liaison from Hartford Healthcare at Home. This is a great opportunity for veterans to come together, ask questions, share stories, and build relationships.