UCSF Neuro-Oncology Gordon Murray Caregiver Program
Fall Newsletter
Greetings Caregivers -

We understand that caring for a loved one with a brain tumor on top of managing daily life during the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming to say the least. We also understand that taking time to care for yourself, both physically and emotionally, can at times feel impossible to prioritize.
 
We want to remind you that the Gordon Murray Caregiver Program is still here for you during this difficult time and remind you of ways you can take time for yourself, whether big or small. This month’s letter focuses on caregiver wellness through various support options and offerings.
Caregiver Support Options
Connecting with others in a similar situation can be a very powerful method of support. One benefit of going remote is the opportunity to take advantage of support from your own home, for which you otherwise may not have had the time. See below for our remote caregiver support options.
Peer to Peer Caregiver Connection Program
Our newly launched "Peer to Peer Caregiver Connection Program" connects you with a former caregiver match for one-on-one peer support from someone who has been there. Our trained volunteers are there to offer both emotional and practical support.
Caregiver Support Group
Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday (6:30-8:00pm) via Zoom

Our caregiver-only support group is an emotional support group facilitated by our neuro-oncology social worker and allows caregivers to focus on their own experience. Open to caregivers of UCSF brain tumor patients.
Also available is our patient & caregiver support group, open to all brain tumor patients and family members.
Workshops and Wellness
Sustainable Caregiving:
Resilience for Care Partners
Weekly on Wednesdays, 9/16 - 11/4 (4:00-5:30pm), Zoom

The UCSF MERI Center is hosting an online series of eight weekly 90-minute classes for family caregivers beginning on September 16, 2020. In each class, participants will learn evidence-based skills to help make their caregiving sustainable and reduce burnout.
Coming Soon:
"Caregiver Strong" Exercise App
As a caregiver, exercise can not only help you gain strength to aid you in caring for your loved one, but also promotes your emotional well-being and decreases symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
The new "Caregiver Strong" exercise app from the Caregiver Strength Training Team provides three days a week of strength training programs and two days a week of mobility/yoga /stress reduction programs to build your strength and endurance. All exercises can be scaled to different fitness levels. 

If you are interested, please contact Marielle.Woodall@ucsf.edu to get on the list once the app launches later this Fall!
Other Resources
COVID-19 Financial Resources
Look through our list of potential financial relief resources for patients and families affected by COVID-19.
Caregiver Reading Corner
Check out our book recommendations:

  • Awakening Joy - James Baraz & Shoshana Alexander
  • Comfortable with Uncertainty - Pema Chodron
  • Radical Compassion - Tara Brach
UCSF Neuro-Oncology
Gordon Murray Caregiver Program

(415) 514-5674
GordonMurrayCaregiverProgram@ucsf.edu