Senor Living Community Provides Residents with Support Group

On Thursday, Feb. 17, Carroll Lutheran Village will launch a Caregiver Support Group for CLV residents. The monthly meetings allow resident caregivers to share and learn of resources with others who can relate to their experiences and discuss important topics, including the effects of caregiving and tips for handling stress with CLV’s social workers.

CLV’s Social Work department recently organized a kick-off event featuring a guest speaker from Gilchrist Hospice, Alexis Weller, business development manager. She spoke about caregiver stress and ways to reduce it as well as providing more details about the new Caregiver Support Group, for which residents were happy to learn and eager to take part.

Spouses often become 24/7 caregivers, which affect their social, emotional and physical well-being. AARP reports that a November 2021 study from insurance firm Genworth found 42% of family caregivers experience depression, mood swings or resentment and 43% said caregiving responsibilities have negatively affected their relationship with a spouse or partner. Supporting caregivers can relieve anxiety, stress and caregiver burnout which is a goal of the Caregiver Support Group. Director of Social Work, Liz Horn said, “I look forward to the group being a success and a genuine support to those who are doing the wonderful but difficult work of caregiving.”

Carroll Lutheran Village, a community of Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland, is an accredited, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in Westminster, Md. serving nearly 700 residents in 397 homes and apartments, 50 assisted living suites and 103 skilled care beds. For more information about the CLV, call 410-848-0090 or visit clvillage.org.