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We understand.

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia or physical disabilities is challenging; however, it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience if you have the appropriate resources and support.

  
Caregivers often struggle to find an appropriate balance. Attempting to juggle caregiving, work, friends, family and other important aspects of daily life can seem overwhelming at times.

Caregiver support is an integral part of GEM's mission. We are dedicated to providing training, support and encouragement. We truly understand the ups and downs of caring for a loved one with memory loss and we look forward to helping you negotiate this important role.

 
   
 
Outer Banks Caregiver Support Group
Learn to CARE Effectively for your loved one with dementia
Today, 30 million households are providing care for an adult over the age of 50—and that number is expected to double over the next 25 years. If you are providing care to an older adult with dementia you are living the “36 HOUR DAY” and this group will be very helpful. Meet other caregivers who will understand what you are experiencing and share caring techniques with them. Dr. Phillips has said “It takes more than LOVE and good intentions to care for a person with Dementia.” Join us to learn the newest strategies for good care.
The first session is complimentary and will take place at HIS Dream Center on Thursday Feb 21 from 7– 8:30pm. Join us as we unravel the mystery of dementia with a clear description of what dementia is and how this impacts on the family and the person with the disease. Please call Gail Sonnesso to register at 252- 480-3354.
Our Second session will be on Friday February 22, Lisa Martinez, LPC; NCC will facilitate a Therapeutic Multi-family Support Group for caregivers. This will be a six week program including educational materials and insight based therapy including topics such as:
  1. Stress/anger management
  2. Self-nurture
  3. Disease process
  4. Family dynamics
  5. Changing relationships 
  6. Community support
 Our goal is to help our family members develop new skills that become necessary in dealing with such a high stress disease as Dementia. The cost is $20 per 105 minute session per family and will include six sessions. The first will be Friday February 22 at 10:30am.  The GEM Center, located at 205 Baltic Street in Nags Head in His Dream Center. Please call Gail Sonnesso at 480-3354 for directions.
Lisa Martinez has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 1993 and a counselor under supervision since 1983. She is a 1987 graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary and has worked in hospitals, clinics and private practice in California, Texas, Pennsylvania and for the last 3 years on the Outer Banks, North Carolina. She currently sees clients as an out-patient therapist at Health Services Personnel and though her private practice in Kitty Hawk.
 
Lisa enjoys public speaking and was one of 3 speakers featured at the Outer Banks Professional Business Women's Symposium in November. This winter she also enjoyed hamming it up and singing for the Interfaith Outreach Benefit "Stars by the Sea", the Outer Banks Half Marathon, the Whalehead Club's Christmas Piano Concert with Jason Evans and the GEM Center's Candlelight Reflections Service.

We encourage you to join our community of caregivers! Please contact GEM at (252) 480-3354 for additional information.