After three months of meetings, the Brain Injury Family Support Group is picking up steam.
Karen Grazionale formed the group for caregivers after her husband, Victor, suffered a brain injury.
On a Monday morning in early February 2016, Victor was on what he called jog/walk with friends near Buckroe Beach in Hampton when he was hit by a car.
After spending time taking care of Victor, Karen realized she needed a place to discuss her role as a caregiver, and that’s when she came up with the idea of the Brain Injury Family Support Group.
“Its been great. It’s a small group but we have some really great conversations,” Grazionale said. “The feedback from the group has been the sessions have been beneficial.”
The meetings started in March and take place on the second Tuesday of every month. Caregivers of anyone suffering from dementia to traumatic brain injuries are welcome. The meetings are at Denbigh House, 12725 McManus Blvd., Suite 2E, in Newport News.
Grazionale said about five people attend the session every month, most of whom are local residents.
Each session has a specific topic, and Grazionale tries to bring in a guest speaker.
Over the past few months, sessions have included understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicaid and future planning as far as navigating wills and trusts.
More than 28,000 Virginians suffer traumatic brain injuries every year, according to the Brain Injury Association of Virginia.
So far, Grazionale has had health experts and attorneys come as guest speakers.
“It’s been what I envisioned. I envisioned a safe place for caregivers,” Grazionale said. “I think the group will always change based on needs for people and who we care for.”
Grazionale said she is planning a cookout for caregivers and the people they care for in August, and shortly after she will do an assessment of what to tweak about the group.
For information on the support group, email Karen Grazionale at [email protected].
This story was published in partnership with our sister paper, HNNDaily.
