Support groups can help caregivers feeling alone
Dr. Natalie Marks is the
first board-certified female
vascular medicine specialist
in Brooklyn, bringing a unique
perspective to this important
field of medicine.
She works as an integral
part of the vascular surgery
team of The Vascular Institute
of New York, which offers a full
spectrum of surgical and endovascular
methods for treatment
of vascular disorders,
working under the directorship
of world-renowned vascular
surgeon Dr. Enrico Ascher.
Dr. Marks is proud to be
part of the team.
“At the Vascular Institute
of New York, we strive to offer
each patient the most effective
and the least invasive diagnostic
and treatment options for
the management of their vascular
conditions,” she says.
Combining expertise, empathy,
and compassion, Dr.
Marks is able to provide her
patients with exceptional care,
treating issues such as varicose
veins, spider veins, nonhealing
wounds, peripheral
arterial disease, and more
with minimum invasive procedures.
“I am there for each patient,
every step of the way,”
she says.
She gladly discusses individual
cases with referring
physicians, and is available
to see patients in consultation,
actively participating in
perioperative care for those
undergoing various vascular
procedures. Together, the doctors
will evaluate all patients’
comorbidities, assess all risks,
and will make recommendations
for the most comprehensive
vascular care.
Like Dr. Ascher — who has
published more than 250 scientific
articles in medical journals,
and more than 65 textbook
chapters — Dr. Marks, too, is a
leader in the field. She has authored
more than 100 scientific
articles in peer-reviewed journals
and 16 textbook chapters.
She has lectured extensively
about various vascular topics,
sharing expertise with peers
COURIER L 34 IFE, APRIL 19–25, 2019 PS
around the globe.
“She brings a new dimension
in the care of patients
with vascular diseases,” says
Dr. Ascher. “She highlights
the importance of medical
management to avoid surgery
whenever possible.”
Dr. Marks is skilled in all
the latest techniques in dealing
with stroke prevention,
aneurysms, peripheral arterial
disease, and in caring for
patients with conditions that
cause leg pain and swelling.
Often leg swelling — a common
condition — is an indication
that veins are not working
properly.
The Vascular Institute of
New York is a leader in the
care of limb salvage, developing
pioneering techniques,
and saving limbs that others
thought couldn’t be saved.
The Vascular Institute of
New York is a state-of-the-art
facility, with an attractive office
and highly trained staff
of professionals. Some of the
highlights include on-site fully
accredited and federally certified
operating room, recovery
room, staff anesthesiologist,
intravascular ultrasound, and
a state-of-the-art wound care
center.
“Our team strives to offer
each patient the most effective
and the least invasive diagnostic
and treatment options
for the management of their
vascular conditions,” says Dr.
Marks. “We are committed to
providing patients with the
most up-to-date treatments for
vascular disease.”
Make an appointment today
. Vascular Institute of New
York 960 50th St. between
Ninth and 10th avenues in Borough
Park, (718) 438–3800 or
9920 Fourth Ave., suite 303,
between Third and Fourth
avenues in Bay Ridge. Open
Mondays – Fridays, 8 am–6
pm; Saturdays and Sundays,
8 am–1 pm. Most major insurance
plans are accepted.
BUS INES S , B ROOKLYN S T Y LE
Vascular Institute of New York making strides in Bklyn
In my almost 30 years at Caring-
Kind, I have heard every possible
excuse from caregivers who are
reluctant — for whatever reason — to
join a support group:
“I don’t need a caregiver support
group. I’ve never been a joiner. I can
handle this by myself.”
“I have no interest in listening to
other people’s problems.
But, just as often, I hear the
fl ip side:
“This CaringKind support group
has changed my life.”
“There’s nowhere else I feel as safe.
Here in this circle, no one is judging
me. These people understand what I’m
going through because they’ve been
here too.”
“The friends I have made in this
group are friends for life.”
Being a dementia caregiver can be
isolating, frustrating, and scary. Even
the strongest, most independent person
needs a little help. Such was the
case with Susan.
Susan was caring for her husband,
who had early onset Alzheimer’s. A
take-charge person of the highest order,
she was going to manage this
alone. But, soon, she realized that she
was in over her head.
Fast-forward seven years, and Susan
is now one of our most loyal and
committed support group members.
Susan says that the sense of community
and belonging she’s found in her
support group has become one of the
most important cornerstones of her
life. All she needed was to take the
fi rst step.
Support groups are important for
so many reasons. They help caregivers
stay connected with professional help
and resources during a time when the
overwhelming responsibilities of caring
for a person with dementia can
lead to further isolation.
Support groups are invaluable
sources of information. And what better
experts than other caregivers?
These caregivers have been there and
can cite chapter and verse on innovative
tips they use to prevent wandering,
simplify mealtime, bathing or
bedtime, or calm agitation. They also
share resources about professionals
they have worked with. Members also
share their confl icts, their frustrations,
guilt, and grief. Ultimately, it is
the emotional sharing
that gives group members
the strength and encouragement
not just to
care for the person with
dementia but to begin to
care for themselves.
But two other things
set CaringKind support
groups apart from
others.
First, our volunteer
support group leaders
are the very best. They
give so much of their
time, energy, knowledge,
and compassion.They are a dedicated
group of individuals that go through
rigorous training provided by experts
in the fi eld. Leaders are well versed
in the technique and theory of group
process.
Even after the training is complete,
they receive ongoing supervision.
This ensures that the people who lead
our groups create a nonjudgmental environment
where every group member
feels safe, supported, and accepted.
Even though these are not therapy
groups, they are, in a very real sense,
therapeutic.
Something else distinguishes
our support groups from many others.
These are not “drop-in” sessions.
Many groups meet weekly — some
meet twice a month. We ask our caregivers
to make a fi rm commitment to
participate. This is a commitment not
just to themselves, but to their fellow
group members. Every participant understands
the “contract” with their
other caregivers, as well as the rules
of the group.
I get it. Support groups are not for
everyone. But I encourage any caregiver
who is feeling isolated and alone,
to please call our 24-hour Helpline to
learn more at (646) 744–2900.
I promise you. It can change
your life.
Jed A. Levine is president and CEO
at CaringKind.
Wellness
Care
Chronicle
Jed Levine
Emotional sharing gives support group members the strength
and encouragement not just to care for the person with dementia,
but to begin to care for themselves. Getty Images