Bikur Cholim and Support Groups
East Brunswick Senior Center
3 Civic Center Drive, East Brunswick - (732) 390-6896
If you are interested in any of the programs listed below, please contact EB Senior Center:
Caregiver’s Support Group: This group meets the first Wednesday of each month. (If the first Wednesday of the month falls on a day we’re closed, then we meet on the second Wednesday.) This group offers support and information to family members caring for frail older relatives.
Let’s Talk: Take the time to talk about things that matter. This gathering provides an opportunity for meaningful conversation on a variety of topics pertaining to life. We discuss news that has human interest. We also use decks of “sharing cards” and “Let’s Talk” cards. Using “I” messages and avoiding discussions about politics and religion are important in this group.
Sweet Solitude: This group offers support, education, and encouragement to people living independently. It is designed to help people stay connected and establish friendships as they explore the challenges, opportunities and advantages of living alone. Discussion topics include: problem solving, goals, life changes that accompany longevity, everyday things, coping with daily living, coping with a mate and decision making.
Memory Matters: This group is education and fun at the same time. Sometimes we discuss ways to improve your memory and sometimes we just have fun with brain challenges. We use numerous memory resources.
Hope and Healing: We address different types of losses such as the death of a loved one, a pet, loss of a job, loss of one’s health and/or mobility, etc. The needs of everyone in the group are all different. One important message is clear, “ You are not alone”
Survivor’s Group: This group is for survivors of a chronic illness such as arthritis, heart, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, Crohn’s disease, anxiety, depression, etc. Members get support, education, and encouragement. We will explore methods of positively coping with chronic illness. Areas for discussions include: “you are not your disease”, reaching your wellness goals, living your best life as a survivor of a chronic illness, coping with daily living and sharing success stories about reclaiming your life. This group will serve as an addition to members individual treatment with their primary care physician and/or psychotherapist.
Meditation: We learn and practice different ways to decrease our stress level. We do breathing and/or visualization exercises as well as affirmations and mantras.
Coffee Chat: This group is like Let’s Talk (see above). The difference is that the participants lead the discussion with topics that matter to them. This gathering provides a moment for more casual conversation.
Healthy Communication : This group is designed to learn about and practice healthy and effective ways in which to communicate with others. The goal is to enhance and foster positive relationships with others.
COPSA and the Care2Caregivers program out of Rutgers hold a monthly virtual bereavement support group. They can be contacted at 1-800-424-2494 and the link to all their groups is listed below as a quick reference.
https://care2caregivers.com/
Middlesex County Office of Aging has a list of all support groups throughout our area.
https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/6499/638386743861100000
