WILTON – SeniorsPlus has a Family Caregiver Support Program designed to provide resources and support to neighbors, family and friends who are providing care for older people even though it may be under informal circumstances.

The next meeting of the support group will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at SeniorsPlus. The topic of discussion will be what caregivers can do for themselves in times of stress.

“Many times friends and family drift into the caregiver role – someone in the family needs help with some task, and then something else, and pretty soon the caregiver has shouldered a lot of responsibility without even realizing they’ve become caregivers. Stresses build up and finding a way to share your concerns can be helpful,” said Donna Courchesney, Family Caregiver coordinator, who runs a Family Caregiver Support group at 3 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the SeniorsPlus Community Center on Routes 2 and 4.

“The support group is designed to help people learn more about caregiving, how to balance caregiving responsibilities, and how to relieve the stress that often builds up when too many demands need to be met,” Courchesney said.

Her program maintains a list of services available in the area, and has a small program to provide some short-term respite services for caregivers who need a break.

“New people are always welcome,” said Courchesney.

She is also available by telephone to answer questions and discuss options available to individuals and their caregivers by phoning 1-800-427-1241.