Support Groups

CONNECTIONS CIRCLE: CAREGIVER SUPPORT

WEDNESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 21; OCTOBER 19 10 A.M. · SPRINGS COMMUNITY ROOM

This group offers support for residents or family members that are caregivers for someone with dementia. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow caregivers, share ideas and discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of providing care for a loved one. If there is a need for respite, a coinciding group offering supervised activities for your loved one with dementia is available. Pre-registration is required. Contact Emily Reese, Connections Program Coordinator, (239) 454-2134 or Connections@shellpoint. org to register your loved one for the supervised activity program or questions about the group.

COPD SUPPORT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25 1:30 P.M. · SABAL ROOM/WDL

The objective of this group, which meets quarterly, is to provide information and discussions that will be relevant to individuals with a range of breathing problems as well as those dependent on supplemental oxygen. Call Ken Peterson for more information at (239) 482-3779.

DIABETES SUPPORT

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 1 P.M. · SOCIAL CENTER/IS

Anyone impacted by diabetes or looking to learn more, including spouses or family members, are invited to attend the Diabetes Support Group. Each monthly meeting covers a different topic and includes an open discussion and an opportunity to share. Call Vivian Ciulla (239) 225-2929 for more information.

GRIEFSHARE

THURSDAYS, SEPTEMBER 22, 29; OCTOBER 6, 13, 20, 27 1:30 P.M. · SABAL ROOM/WDL

This thirteen-week program provides help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life. We know it hurts and we want to help. Led by Carol Johnston (Coquina). Call Carol at (717) 368-6196 for additional information.

HEARING ENRICHMENT

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 1:15 P.M. · SOCIAL CENTER/IS

Poor hearing can affect many aspects of one’s life. This group seeks to help residents cope with hearing loss, share information, learn about services and products that may help and offer support to each other. This is a great opportunity to try out the assisted listening devices available in the Social Center. For more information, call Healthy Living Coordinator Robert Torres at (239) 433-7975.

HEART HEALTHY

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3 10 A.M. · MANATEE ROOM/IS

The Heart Healthy group aims to provide support and educational information to individuals living with heart disease. The goal of the group is to allow members to share their experience, fears and solutions in an effort to help everyone from the newly diagnosed to those managing heart disease for many years. For more information, please contact Healthy Living Coordinator Nola Mokeyane at (239) 433-7976.

PARKINSON’S ENRICHMENT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 10:15 A.M. · SOCIAL CENTER/IS

The Parkinson’s Enrichment Group aims to provide support and educational opportunities to those affected by Parkinson’s disease as a patient, caregiver, family member, or friend. Meetings include speakers, group discussions, and emotional support. For more information, call Healthy Living Coordinator Christy Hayford at (239) 433-7939.

VISION ENRICHMENT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11 2:15 P.M. · SOCIAL CENTER/IS

This group provides educational opportunities and support for those individuals dealing with low vision. Discussions may include the emotional aspects of vision loss, investigating solutions, helpful tools, and sharing resources. At every session, you will learn a “quick eye exercise” that you can utilize at home and share with others. Please join us to share your story, your knowledge, as well as your experiences with other residents. For additional information, contact Healthy Living Coordinator Katy Quinones at (239) 454-2101.

Fitness, Fellowship and Faith

Residents Jim Stapleton (Harbor Court) and Ron Wertz (Estuary), along with Shell Point’s Medical Director Dr. Gary Goforth, are members of the Island Coast chapter of the F3 Men’s Fitness Group—a national grassroots movement of free men’s workouts with the mission of reinvigorating men as leaders in the community.

F3 Island Coast serves the men of Southwest Florida and the surrounding areas, and is one of 3,100 F3 groups meeting around the country.

Dr. Goforth was first introduced to F3 when he was visiting his brother in San Antonio, Texas. Afterwards, he sought out the Island Coast group.

“We’re open to all men and we’re here rain or shine, hot or cold,” said Dr. Goforth.

A year ago, Dr. Goforth mentioned F3 to Jim during one of the regular Friday “Walk with Docs” around the Shell Point Campus. Jim started to attend F3, and Ron joined shortly after.

Several times a week, Jim and Ron arrive at 5 a.m. to meet Dr. Goforth at Wa-Ke Hatchee Park for a brisk walk before the sun rises. Once the other group members arrive, they perform a series of exercises that includes pushups, pullups and squats, followed by a run.

During the Circle of Trust conducted at the end of each workout, F3 members above 50 years old are honored by using the term “Respect.” Members over 60 years of age have earned “Respect Respect,” accolades, while members over 70 are lauded with “Triple Respect.”

After his birthday in July, Jim became one of the very few F3 members earning the title “Quad Respect.”

“This is a remarkable achievement for Jim,” said Dr. Goforth. “He gets out here and exercises with us, with just a few modifications.”

“Not many!” said Jim. Jim explained that physical fitness training has was part of his Army career from the time he entered West Point in 1960, through the 70s when he served there as an instructor in the Department of Physical Education.

“F3 returns me to my Army roots and ‘The Daily Dozen!’, which is a short routine of physical movements designed to keep the country’s sailors and soldiers healthy and nimble,” said Jim. “F3 is also a perfect complement to the LifeQuest dimensions here at Shell Point.”