Colonial Heritage Offers Helpful Programs to Support Caregivers

Williamsburg, VA, October 16, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Lennar’s active adult community, Colonial Heritage in Williamsburg has become more than just a development; it has become a mecca for support programs designed to help fellow neighbors and those in the surrounding area.

Programs including the Caregivers Support Group, Neighbor To Neighbor Program and “Caring For You, Caring For Me”, offer an opportunity for people seeking information, support, guidance and resources.

At the helm of these initiatives is Colonial Heritage resident and retired nurse, Joan Bender.

“These programs were created because a need was identified in the James City County area,” Bender said.

“Caring For You, Caring For Me” was designed by the Rosalynn Carter Institute For Caregiving and sponsored by Lennar and the Center for Excellence in Aging and Geriatric Health. This five-week program at Colonial Heritage offers the opportunity for attendees to gain information on topics related to caregiving such as: how to cope with the stresses and strains of being a caregiver, discovering ways to reduce the frustrations and barriers faced in caregiving roles, identifying resources available and sharing common concerns and issues.

“As a long-distance caregiver myself, I believe this program is a positive asset,” said Bender. “Anyone caring for a family member or loved one has moments when they feel totally overwhelmed and tired. These emotions are completely normal but it is important to take a step back, analyze the situation and identify the best course of action. Among other things, “Caring For You, Caring For Me”, teaches problem solving methods and positive coping mechanisms.”

The Caregivers Support Group, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association provides help to a growing number of people who are caring for family or loved ones with Alzheimer’s. “The purpose and goal of the Caregivers Support Group is to provide support to caregivers which includes education, networking, communication and confidentiality in a trusting environment,” Bender said

The Caregivers Support Group meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Colonial Heritage clubhouse in Williamsburg at 2:30 p.m. and is open to anyone who wishes to attend.

Bender developed the Neighbor To Neighbor Program to promote community spirit in Colonial Heritage. The main aspect of the resident driven initiative is to act as a support system to those who may be going through a difficult time, as well as connecting neighbors on a social level.

“The mission of our Neighbor To Neighbor Program is to create a caring community within Colonial Heritage by providing an opportunity for neighbors to reach out to neighbors in a helpful capacity,” Bender said.

“Participation in the Neighbor To Neighbor Program makes Colonial Heritage residents feel like they are a part of something special and that they really do make a difference in each others lives. The fact that so many people are proud to live in Colonial Heritage speaks volumes of the community,” Bender said.

For more information about the programs offered at Colonial Heritage contact Joan Bender at 757-345-6974 or Mary L. Brett Wright at 757-253-1774.

Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable first time, move-up and retirement homes in communities that cater to virtually any lifestyle including urban, golf course, active adult or suburban communities. Lennar is committed to quality, value and integrity.

For more information visit LENNAR.com or contact 877-853-6627

Brenda Sharp, Lennar Director of Sales & Marketing-Virginia, brenda.sharp@lennar.com
Allison Rosoff, Cohen and Company Creative, 954-290-2026; allison@cohenadv.com

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