New group is caring for carers Over-60s get a chance to relax and learn new skills
A new peer support group has been launched by Renfrewshire Carers Centre.
The new group is for people over 60 who look after a loved one and who might enjoy the company and experiences of those in the same position.
Lorna Brodie, care at home organiser at the carers centre, said: “It’s for carers who are 60-plus and it’s a series of health and wellbeing sessions.
“We’re doing healthy eating but we’ll also be doing things like yoga, fitness, dance, meditation, walking, and there’s also a drumming group going to happen as well.
“So it’s just to give carers who are 60 and over a taste of different things that are on in the community, and hopefully that group will become like a peer support group for them.”
It is important to have a support group for people aged 60 and above because a lot of people of that age can feel isolated, Ms Brodie added.
“There’s a lot of social isolation... so it’s just really to give people space to kind of reconnect with community activities,” she said.
One of those taking part in the group is James Lawtie, 82, from Paisley who helps look after his wife Iris, also 82, who has cancer.
He said: “I’ve been a carer now for 15 years, and this place has been a great help to me over the years, and that’s why I’m here today.”
Mr Lawtie added: “There’s a lot of moral support.
“And this over-60s group gets you out the house.
“It keeps your mind active, and it keeps you seeing how life is changing.
“And one thing that is very important is that you get different opinions.
“We’ve all got different opinions, which we share in here. “I think that’s a great benefit. “People don’t know what’s available but when you come in here you do learn what’s available and that’s a big help.”
Renfrew man Jim Bisland, 69, cares for his wife Linda, 67, who suffers from dementia.
And he looks upon the new over60s group as a lifeline.
“Linda doesn’t converse now,” he said.
“She’ll say please and thanks when you give her something, but she’ll sit all day and not speak.
“So when I come here I get to speak to lots of people.”
Mr Bisland added that attending the group is very important for helping him get through the days.
“As you can imagine, it’s a long day for me,” he said.
“Linda’s mobility has slowed down quite a bit now. She can’t walk that far, and she gets tired.
“But when they play music here she participates in it and she particularly enjoys the Singing Memories group.”
And Mr Bisland heartily recommended the group.
“I wish more people would participate,” he said.
“They just have to make the initial move.
“You’ve got all these nice ladies here and if you were to say to me who is your favourite, I couldn’t pick one because they are all so charming.”
If you would like to take part in the over-60s group, contact Antonia Mcilwraith at Renfrewshire Carers Centre on 0141 887 3643.