Being a caregiver for someone with cancer can be stressful, overwhelming, and isolating. Sometimes the only people who can truly understand are those who have been there. That鈥檚 why Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) social workers run a support group dedicated to caregivers. The group offers education and a safe place to talk for anyone who cares for a loved one treated at HCI.
Social workers might cover topics like what to expect as a caregiver or how to reduce stress. But the main purpose of the group is for people to connect and share what they鈥檙e going through, says Nicole Fenwick, a licensed clinical social worker.
"I鈥檓 just there to facilitate," she says. "It鈥檚 the caregivers who help each other."
"Sometimes I don鈥檛 say one word," adds Logan Prince, another licensed clinical social worker and facilitator of the group. "It鈥檚 amazing what goes on here between the caregivers."
鈥淭he support I receive each week is addictive. I don鈥檛 feel so alone.鈥
鈥擟补谤别驳颈惫别谤
The social workers say just hearing someone else talk about what they鈥檙e going through can have a profound impact on reducing a caregiver鈥檚 grief or stress. Participants say it gives them hope they鈥檒l have the support they need to cope throughout their loved one鈥檚 illness.
鈥淭his group is my weekly dose of medicine,鈥 says one participant.
鈥淭he support I receive each week is addictive,鈥 says another. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 feel so alone.鈥
Caregiver Education & Support Group
Tuesdays, Noon鈥1 pm
Email HCICareGiverGroup@hci.utah.edu for registration and instruction.