Every Tuesday in April, Grace Cognetta, a registered nurse and caregiver, will lead a free caregiver support group in the Somers, NY, office of Elder Care Connection starting April 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. “Caregiver stress is affecting families today like never before,”  says Dora Vignola, coordinator for Elder Care Connection. “Today caregivers have full-time jobs, dependent children and grandchildren, as well as many other responsibilities. The stress of juggling everyday life can take its toll.”

Cognetta has been a caregiver for four of her own family members since 2000.   “Grace has experienced all levels of caregiving and understands the stress that other caregivers are feeling,” Vignola says. “As a former hospice nurse, her experiences in her professional career as well as her personal life offer a unique approach to families dealing with dementia, stroke, chronic illness and terminal care. She understands there are many ways to relieve the stress put on the shoulders of caregivers.”

Cognetta is inviting all caregivers to join the group to learn a shared, holistic approach to caregiving that will focus on how to lessen caregiver stress. “Taking care of the caregiver is the first step,” she says.

For more info, call 914.669.5200 or email [email protected] to register. Elder Care Connection is located at 336 Rte. 202 Ste. 3, Somers, NY (in Bailey Court behind Somers Pharmacy.