Dear Friends,

I am profoundly amazed and honored when I see that our websites have become such powerful tools for providing caregivers with information, education, and support. What is at its very core such a high tech medium has served us in such a "high touch" calling. We as a society and as individuals are tested when we are called to care for our very young and our very old.

As caregivers, we are asked to rise above our own ignorance, past histories, isolation, and limitations. We are asked to do what at the outset would seem impossible. But with patience, resilience, inner strength, mastery, and the support of others, we can each achieve a level of care for our loved ones that provides them with dignity and quality of life. Meanwhile, we provide ourselves with a strengthening and growing experience (even if we didn't ask for it at the outset).

You have probably come to this website and this homespun support forum thinking a few of these preconceived notions:
- "I need to be good at the computer to participate."
- "I am nervous about sharing personal information."
- "How can you really connect emotionally with other people with a computer?"
- "I really don't need help."
- "I really DO need help!"

I am happy to tell you that you do not need to have your 13 year-old grandson at your elbow to participate; you can be as anonymous as you desire; you CAN interact and get close with other people; and whether you need "help" or not, being with a community of people just like you is worth more than you could possibly imagine when you are isolated and misunderstood.

I refer to our message board (The ElderCare Forum) and our chatroom (The Elder Caregiving Chatroom) as "online support services." They serve the essential role of giving you a place to connect with others, relieve isolation, get answers, feel understood, know that you are not alone, and build a sense of mastery by learning new skills. They are not a substitute for in-person contact with others through support groups and outreach activities. I think a healthy approach is to combine online and offline support services. We are here when you can't get out of the house or find the time to make a group session.

Over the last several months, we have seen a stunning growth in the number of participants in our forums. I would like to welcome all of you, and thank the long-standing members who have been so welcoming. I hope that these tips and help files will make the Forum easier to navigate, post and find the information and people you are looking for. Please continue to provide your feedback.

Kind Regards,
Rich O'Boyle AKA Casey, Publisher
ElderCare Online
ALZwell Caregiver Support

Continue to Getting Started in Our Forum...

[This message was edited by Casey on February 07, 2003 at 10:59 AM.]