Baystate Franklin Medical Center is now offering three new support groups for individuals with special needs in the Franklin County community. All three groups are free and advanced registration is not necessary.
Formed to support caregivers in the emotionally andphysically taxing role of taking care of loved ones who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to take care of themselves. All caregvers and family members are welcome. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 2 to 3 p.m. in the second floor Conference Room, 48 Sanderson St. in Greenfield (Medical Office Building). For more information, contact Poppi Kelley at 413-325- 4050.
The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. in Conference Room C. Light refreshments are served. Diane Stephan, RN, BSN, Emergency Department nurse educator and stroke coordinator at the hospital facilitates.
The goals of the support group are to promote an atmosphere of caring and cooperation, promote new goals and friendships for stroke survivors and their families and caregivers, and to renew hope and encourage independence. All stroke survivors, their family members and caregivers are welcome. For more information, contact Stephan at 413-773- 2641 or email: diane.stephan@baystatehealth.org.
The group has a goal of assisting amputees in their daily lives by offering them the opportunity to share ideas and support each other. Dr. Sohail Waien, a hospitalist at Baystate Franklin Medical Center facilitates. The Amputee Support Group generally meets the third Thursday of the month from 5 to 6:30 p.m, in the BFMC Conference rooms off the main entrance. There will be exceptions to the schedule, so attendees should request a detailed schedule. Friends and family members are also welcome. For more information, email: Sohail.waienMD@baystatehealth.org
Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts sponsors the group on the last Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. in Conference Room A. Refreshments are provided. Discussions and guest speakers are varied. Survivors of brain injury, as well as their spouses, family members and caregivers are invited.
Brain injuries can have a traumatic effect on both survivors and their families.
The forum provides a compassionate environment for survivors to share their stories with an understanding peer group, and for socializing with others, according to Scott Doane, director of the Western Regional Office of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.
For more information, contact Doane by calling 413- 443-0200 or 888-554-5553.