Aims to help those caring for kids with special needs
By Samantha Joseph
Staff writer
STUART -- Martin County Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care, a medical day care for children with special needs, has formed a regional support group for caregivers.
The Stuart-based agency will hold meetings at its office beginning Jan. 31 and then on the last Thursday of each month.
Martin County Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care typically serves children with complex and fragile medical and developmental needs. But starting this month, it will also provide resources for parents and others who care for those children.
About 600 families in Martin County and 800 in St. Lucie County have children with special needs, according to information from the pediatric care center.
"A lot of parents are looking for something like this," said marketer Samantha Kayser. "They have questions, and want to find some support."
Evelyn Duah, the center's administrator, started the support group after routinely fielding questions from families seeking assistance for the children in their care.
She will lead the sessions with Shawn Sullivan, director of nurses. The pair will draw on the clinic's resources -- including its staff of pediatric nurses and physical, speech and respiratory therapists -- to help caregivers.
They will discuss parenting strategies, stress relievers, marriage tips, teamwork, family dynamics and other issues. Participants will help to shape discussions and outline topics for future meetings.
"It's really geared toward parents, grandparents and any other caregivers who need support," Ms. Kayser said.
Martin County Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care is located at 310 S.W. Ocean Blvd. Meetings are set for 6-7 p.m.
For more information, call (772) 288-6466 or visit www.MartinCountyPPEC.com.