The life of a survivor may not be considered lucky, but it’s made easier by knowing there are others who understand and share similar circumstances. I am a caregiver to a brain injury survivor who also has epilepsy. I’ve gathered information on this month’s support groups and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley for those involved with these health issues. If you live outside of this region, or are affected by another kind of condition, I encourage you to look for support groups near you relating to your concerns. Your luck can improve as you learn from and encourage others in like situations.
In case it’s impossible for you to get out, or you don’t live in this area, I’ve also included links to useful and inspiring websites.
If you have an activity, announcements or other information you’d like shared in this newsletter, please email Barbara@UnitingCaregivers.com
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE IN THE SALT LAKE VALLEY
March 13, 2018 – Brain Injury Alliance Support Group for Adults, 6-8 p.m. Meets every 2nd Tuesday monthly at Sanderson Community Deaf Center, 5709 South 1500 West, SLC, UT 84123. This social group is for all caregivers and survivors. All are welcomed to share a main dinner dish together with games afterwards. Bring a side dish or dessert to share if you’d like. Call Jennifer (801) 386-2195, or Beth (801) 585-5511 for more information.
March 15, 2018 – IMC Caregivers and Survivors Education Groups, 7-8 p.m. Meets every 3rd Thursday monthly at IMC Cottonwood Medical Tower (TOSH Campus) 181 E. Medical Tower Drive, Murray, Utah. Caregivers meet on the 1st floor conference room and the Survivors meet on the 2nd floor conference room.
Caregiver’s topic: It Takes a Village: A Caregivers Perspective – by Chris Benda. She will share with us how she finds and uses resources available.
Survivor’s topic: Social Skills, Communication & Relationships – by Summer Rolin, Psyd. She will give ways for helping others understand your injury.
March 27, 2018 – University of Utah Brain Injury Support Group 7-8 p.m. Meets every 4th Tuesday monthly at Sugarhouse Health Center, 1138 E. Wilmington Avenue, SLC, UT 84106. This month’s topic: Brain Injury Resources by Glen Lanham. Learn how the Brain Injury Alliance of Utah can help you. Please call Ryan Pello or Annie Wallace at (801) 581-2221 for questions.
FREE WEEKLY GROUPS INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE NEURO THERAPY
Aphasia Talking Practice Group – Meets every Tuesday, Noon-1 p.m. at 5770 South 250 East #G50
Meditation Group – Meets every Wednesday, 3 p.m. at 5770 South 250 East Cafeteria Conference Room
Parkinson’s Talking Loud Group – Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month-3:00pm at 5770 South 250 East #G50
Cognitive Skills Group – Meets every Thursday Noon-1 p.m. at 5770 South 250 East #G50
Contact: Dr. Russo at antonietta.russo@imail.org
FREE EPILEPSY GROUPS FOR THOSE EFFECTED BY SEIZURES
Together we share coping strategies, provide encouragement, comfort and advice from people with common experiences. For more information contact Margo at (801)455-6089 or Utah@efa.org
March 1, 2018 – Epilepsy Group for Parents, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. Meets every 1st Thursday of the month at the Riverton Library Auditorium, 12877 S. 1830 W.
March 8, 2018 – Epilepsy Group for All, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month. New 2018 Murray location is at the Doty Education Center – Intermountain Medical Center, 5171 S. Cottonwood St., Bldg. 6, 1st floor – CR2.
March 14, 2018 – Epilepsy Group for All, 7:00 to 8:15 pm. Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Provo City Library – 555 N. University Ave. New EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP in Utah County!
March 21, 2018 – Epilepsy Group for All, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the SLC Main Library 200 E. 400 S., SLC, UT (3rd floor conference room).
March 28, 2018 – Epilepsy Group for Teens, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Wednesday monthly at the West Jordan Library, 8030 S. 1825 W., West Jordan, UT. There are two teachers overseeing this group. Come to enjoy an activity and meet other teens with epilepsy.
HELPFUL WEBSITES:
http://www.caregiver.org (online webinars for caregivers)
http://www.tbicommunity.org (online educational programs)
http://www.braininjury.com (medical, legal, information resource)
http://www.abta.org (brain tumor education and information)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi (brain injury facts, programs, education)
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/all-disorders (education for brain injury, stroke and other neurological disorders)
http://www.msktc.org/tbi (TBI Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center) national leaders in TBI research and patient care.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support (resource for those with MS)
http://www.epilepsy.com/utah and/or http://www.epilepsy.com (seizure education and support by state or national)
https://biau.org (resource for those with brain injury)
http://www.brainline.org (preventing, treating and living with TBI)
ACTIVITIES TO DO WEBSITES:
https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass (free pass to National Parks & Federal Land Agency areas)
https://wildlife.utah.gov/watchable-wildlife-for-disabled.html (watchable wildlife for disabled persons)
http://slco.org/adaptive/plus-one-pass (Salt Lake County Disability Plus One Pass)
https://twilightinsight.wordpress.com/hobbies/hobbies-for-healing-the-brain/tbi-and-selecting-a-hobby (select a hobby – ideas especially for TBI survivors)
http://www.discovernac.org (National Ability Center)
http://wanderookie.com/blog/2015/07/27/12-beautiful-wheelchair-accessible-trails-in-utah
(wheelchair accessible trails in Utah)
https://www.visitutah.com/Media/Default/One%20Sheeters/Accessible_Utah_web.pdf (list of accessible resources)
wasatchadaptivesports.org (Wasatch Adaptive Sports)
http://www.discovernac.org (National Ability Center)
https://www.meetup.com (meet up groups)
SHARING WEBSITES:
Laptops http://www.brainline.org/abbymaslin (blog about loving and learning after TBI)
http://www.facebook.com/UTteensupportgroup (social interaction and the exchange useful resources)
http://www.unitingcaregivers.wordpress.com (caregivers sharing stories, tips and thoughts)
Thank you for reading. I hope you found the information helpful and will follow this website via email to receive notifications of every new post. The “Follow” button is located at the beginning of the newsletter. However, if you want to subscribe only to a monthly newsletter, please email Barbara@UnitingCaregivers.com. I will add you to the newsletter email list and send you the link monthly.
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