12/30/2024
The Goldstone Caregiver Center at Danbury Hospital offers support, resources and comfort for those caring for loved ones. Hear how one caregiver found strength and solace through the Center’s services.
Caring for a loved one with health challenges can be rewarding, but it’s also one of the hardest jobs. The Goldstone Caregiver Center at Danbury Hospital, established in 2015 as the first of its kind in Connecticut, is a haven for family caregivers. Made possible by the Goldstone Family Foundation, the Center offers a warm, homelike space where caregivers can rest, reflect and recharge.
“Whether caring for a patient in the hospital or navigating caregiving at home, caregivers can access personalized support, valuable resources and stress-relief opportunities — all at no cost,” said Miranda Dold Bencivenga, LCSW, manager of the Goldstone Caregiver Center.
The Center’s programs include support groups, educational workshops and the Stay in Touch Program, which extends care beyond the hospital. Through regular check-ins, the program helps caregivers feel supported, promotes self-care and connects them to community resources.
Cherry Dumaual found strength and solace through the Goldstone Caregiver Center at Danbury Hospital and is sharing her experience to help others.
Here is Cherry’s story:
Caring for family caregivers at Danbury Hospital
“During one of my many visits to Danbury Hospital to care for a family member, I felt overwhelmed and needed a break. I wandered through the hospital and discovered the Goldstone Caregiver Center in Buck Pavilion. Little did I know it would become a sanctuary for me during one of the most challenging times of my life.
The Center offers free support to caregivers who are caring for a family member or friend, regardless of location. Its mission is to provide a peaceful space where caregivers can find comfort, guidance and resources to help them navigate their often-overwhelming responsibilities.
Related content: Veteran rebuilds life after paralysis from devastating car crash and complex spine surgery
As a family caregiver, I experience a range of emotions — gratitude for being able to care for my loved one but also exhaustion, both physically and emotionally. Caregiving is a nearly 24/7 responsibility that can be draining in every sense of the word. I am so thankful for the Center and its staff, who offer support in ways I hadn’t even realized I needed.
During my first visit, I wanted a quiet space to use the computer and research caregiving. The staff at the Center was incredibly accommodating. They ensured I had everything I needed, even showing me how to use the photocopier, if necessary. They were always available, offering assistance so graciously that it felt like more than help — it felt like genuine care.
Sitting at the computer, I noticed other caregivers entering the space. The atmosphere was calm and comfortable, as the staff greeted them with a warm welcome and were ready to listen. What stood out to me was how these caregivers, like me, seemed to find relief just by being there. Some needed to vent — a cathartic release of pent-up emotions — and the staff members were there to listen without judgment, offering a compassionate ear and thoughtful advice.
The Center is more than just an oasis of calm. It provides a range of amenities that help caregivers take a break and recharge. These include:
-
Comfortable spaces for rest, reflection and quiet conversations
-
Private rooms for respite or one-on-one discussions
-
A kitchenette where one can have coffee, tea and spa water
-
Computer workstations with internet and email access
-
Copier, telephones, and fax services
-
A library specializing in caregiver resources
Perhaps the greatest asset of the Center is its people. In addition to the caring staff, the center offers access to a clinical team who can provide professional counseling and other supportive services. Caregivers can participate in support groups, attend educational programs, and receive end-of-life support. The Center also provides listings of community resources, which can be invaluable for those navigating the complexities of caregiving.
The Center has been a place where I can revive my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. I can rest assured knowing that if I ever need someone to talk to, a team of compassionate professionals is ready to listen and offer support.
If you are a caregiver feeling the weight of your responsibilities, I encourage you to visit the Goldstone Caregiver Center or seek similar community resources. Caring for others is important and so is caring for yourself.”
The Goldstone Caregiver Center is open to anyone visiting the hospital and from the community.”
