News
Bartlesville
Posted: Jun 05, 2025 9:33 AMUpdated: Jun 05, 2025 9:33 AM
Elder Care Offers Support, Respite and Community for Local Caregivers
Tom Davis
Elder Care is expanding its resources for caregivers in northeast Oklahoma, offering weekly support groups, social events, and an open-door policy for those caring for loved ones.
Appearing on KWON’s Community Connection, Elder Care's Director of Develpoment Michael Colaw and Community Outreach Liaison Joanie Elmore talked the growing need for caregiver support and the programs now available to meet that demand.
Elmore leads a weekly caregiver support group every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Elder Care. “We have built a community of trust and encouragement,” Elmore said. “Caregiving can be emotionally and physically draining. Our group gives people a place to open up, share challenges, and learn how to better care for both themselves and their loved ones.”
For those not ready for a traditional support group, Elder Care also offers the Open Door Café on Thursdays at 10 a.m. The unstructured gathering gives caregivers a chance to ease into the support system with snacks, conversation, and optional activities for their care recipients, including games and social interaction in a supervised setting.
Elder Care’s services are further supported by a grant from OK Cares, allowing many programs to be offered at no cost to caregivers. The grant also funds free trial days at Elder Care’s adult day center, DayBreak, as well as take-home activity and self-care kits.
Upcoming events include “Dinner with Friends” on June 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring food by Chef Pam Beamguard and music by Scott Taylor. On June 30, a pottery class led by former hospital chaplain Tammy Schmidt will offer a creative outlet for caregivers. Thanks to the grant, caregivers can participate in both events for free.
Elder Care is located at 1223 Swan Drive in Bartlesville. For more information or to register for programs, visit www.abouteldercare.org or call 918-336-8500.
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