Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1465318
The OHCC Safety Emergency Response Team's mission is to help educate all residents to be prepared in an emergency. Family caregivers face an extra challenge as taking care of a loved one involves managing special needs. In the case of a disaster, such as an earthquake or emergency event like a power outage, caregivers may need extra support. For example, their loved one may use medical equipment that needs power. Our new Family Caregiver Group is part of the SERT Neighbor-Helping-Neighbor (NHN) program which brings neighbors together to support each other. Many of our residents find themselves caring for a loved one or being cared for by a loved one who also lives in our community. Resident Suzanne Foreman saw a need to start a support group to share ideas and resources and got the ball rolling. The SERT NHN program was a natural fit and offered the benefits of an established club. As a part of the SERT Club, members have access to a personal Home Educational Survey by our Emergency Response Team. Family caregivers may not be aware of all the utility shutoff locations and can receive ERT recommendations that will help them in an emergency incident. The Family Caregiver Group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Clubhouse. We have created a friendly and safe environment to relax and share our personal stories, as well as the challenges we face providing care for our loved ones. We strive to learn from one another. If you are caring for a loved one, please join us at our next meeting on May 19 at 7 pm. Marla Reiter has taken on the responsibility of running our bimonthly meetings. In March, we celebrated St. Patrick's Day, and in April, we had Kelly Allan, founder of the Caregiver Networks Club, as our guest speaker. The Caregiver Networks Club is a free organization in San Diego County that provides a wide variety of resources and networking opportunities to match caregivers and families. There are so many ways we can support our loved ones. If you are taking care of a parent, partner or other loved one, our group is here for you. The more educated and prepared you are, the better your caregiver skills. Find more information about SERT, NHN, and the Family Caregiver Group on our website. To join the Family Caregiver Group, download the SERT Club membership form, check the box marked "other" and write in "family caregiver." https://certohcc.wixsite.com/sert/join-sert Membership dues are $10 for the year, payable to "SERT" by check. Just drop off your form and check at the Clubhouse front desk. By Tom Porter, SERT President | OHCC LIVING | MAY 2022 | 9 Breaking News! The OHCC SERT CLUB Neighbor-Helping- Neighbor Program launches FAMILY CAREGIVER GROUP