Community is grateful for Caregiver Support Group

Being a caregiver can be one of the hardest, complicated and most important jobs out there that many do without choice.

Not to mention, it’s lonely.

Caregivers provide a vast range of support to clients and/or loved ones, encompassing physical, emotional and day to day needs with everything in between.

This can include things like assisting with daily activities, managing finances, coordinating medical care and providing emotional support, which many are not equipped for.

The demands of care giving can be significant, potentially leading to stress, anxiety, burnout and health issues for the caregiver themselves.

The Mariposa Caregivers Support Group began in June of 2024 under John C. Fremont/ Home Health and Hospice and was led by Adrienne Villegas.

After the closing of Home Health and Hospice, the vital program is now community led with the help of Daniel Wilson, Bobbi Dupertuis and many members of the community.

The group meets twice a month at the Mariposa County Library for 90-minute sessions.

“We started with about four and now we usually have around 10-16,” said Dupertuis.

“I’m impressed how this group is just thriving.”

When the group meets, caregivers get to share stories, connect with others who are in similar circumstances and also discuss resources.

“People think they know, but the truth is they don’t,” said Laura Lynn Lanotte-Hayes.

“You come here and you can just let your shoulders down and breathe.”

Many of the caregivers in the group are caring for a partner or spouse who is aging and experiencing health issues such has Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s or cancer, among many other things.

There are also members of the group who are caring for children who have disabilities.

The group talks about everything from medications, veterans affairs, respite care, scheduling appointments, loved ones, advocating, finances and important documents, travel and the logistics of things and much more.

Things can change quickly and the logistics of traveling with a loved one experiencing health issues can be extremely difficult and tiring.

“This community makes the whole healthcare/ medical world difficult and it’s limited,” said Ray Colliver.

Colliver said between each of the health issues his wife was being treated for, they would have to travel to Fresno and even the Bay Area for adequate care.

Along with the physical aspects of caring for someone, the mental and emotional toll can be debilitating, especially for caregivers who are aging and experiencing health issues of their own. Self care typically gets put on the back burner.

“He’s no longer the partner I had,” said Lanotte Hayes.

“We each had things we would do, we were a team. I don’t have that anymore.”

Several of the caregivers mentioned worrying about what the future may hold.

“I worry about the affect this will have on my kids and grandkids,” Lanotte-Hayes explained.

“We still feel responsible for them and I don’t want to burden them with certain things.”

It can be extremely difficult to ask for help.

“I had a hard time letting go and letting others help and it created some friction,” Colliver said.

“People do things differently but it doesn’t mean it’s wrong. You have to let people help you.”

The group is a great place to learn and share resources.

“We were having a hard time getting an appointment with a neurologist,” said Dina Lambert.

“Someone here said they could help and I got a call the next day about scheduling an appointment.”

The Mariposa Caregivers Support Group has many ties to other supportive organizations who can help in times of need, especially since the closure of Home Health and Hospice.

“The community has been wonderful,” said Dupertuis.

“We have several other locations where we can meet and it’s great to know if we needed to move that there are other locations where we can go.”

Other community partners and resources include groups such as Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency, Widows/Widowers In Need, Mariposa Safe Families, Grief and Bereavement assistance and so much more.

“It all ties together,” Dupertuis said.

“We’re more effective together.”

As the group continues to grow, the caregivers want the community to know the group is here for them.

“The need is great here in Mariposa,” said Lanotte Hayes.

“It’s evident people feel comfortable here and they’re able to let loose and share things they normally wouldn’t; it helps us all grow.”

You don’t have to be a caregiver to attend.

There are a few people who were previously caregivers who still attend the group after their loved ones have passed.

“I needed to get out of feeling alone,” Colliver said.

“I felt like I have something to offer and I could share my experiences.”

Organizers are also looking into growing the number of volunteers.

“We’re putting a group together so caregivers can have a break,” Dupertuis said.

“They can sit with someone, or maybe provide rides if needed. We’re starting to develop our own process.”

The group is continuously evolving as they’re planning events and outings, as well as other helpful and informative events.

“We’re planning a family outing and picnic so families can meet each other,” said Dupertuis.

“Area 12 is coming May 29 to lead a workshop on Alzheimer’s.”

The group is also working on providing meetings virtually as it can be difficult for caregivers to leave those they are caring for with support.

The Mariposa County Caregiver Support Group meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Mariposa County Library at no cost.

“We hope you’ll come and try,” Lambert said.

“We’re a community and we understand what you’re going through.”

For more information, stop by a meeting or send inquiries to mcsg95338@gmail.com.