"I did not really want to go to a group, but my mother was driving me crazy and so finally I went. The speaker talked about power of attorney - until then I didn't realize I had to get one to take care of my mother's property. Then, over coffee, I was talking to three other women. One of them told how her mother was hiding the silverware in the dresser. She said one day she suddenly realized it didn't matter where they kept the silverware. Up until then, I thought I was the only one dealing with things like that. I told them about my mother, and these other women understood." From The 36-Hour Day by Mace & Rabins.
The purpose of a support group is to provide Alzheimer's caregivers and friends with an opportunity to develop a support system of people who understand. Having a place to exchange ideas and experiences strengthens coping skills, ultimately allowing the caregiver to take better care of themselves and the person with Alzheimer's disease.
Support groups mean different things for different people. Some may come to gain a better understanding of the disease, because they are in crisis, or because they have specific caregiving challenges. They may also be looking for advice on a particular subject or just wish to be with people who are experiencing similar feelings.
At times, people involved in day-to-day caregiving may feel over-whelmed and tired. They find excuses for not joining a support group: "I'm not a group type of person," " I can't leave my loved one," "I can't talk to strangers." They may feel that the benefit of attending the group is not worth the effort. Indeed, participation can create some dilemmas when one must make arrangements for care of the person with dementia, or take personal time to attend the group.
Benefits of Support Groups
· Creates a safe, supportive environment or community
· Educates about Alzheimer's and dementia
· Develops methods and skills for problem-solving
· Encourages participants to maintain personal, physical and emotional health
· Pushes personal growth and development
· Provides opportunities to share thoughts with others
· Provides a forum for meeting new people
· Provides a break (respite) from caregiving duties
From What are Support Groups? Why are They Important? by Joan Wisniewski, Associate Director, Program Services, Alzheimer’s Association, Southeast Florida Chapter.
Alzheimer's Family Services was founded on the principles of support groups and caregivers providing support to one another. We’ve been providing support groups to the Pensacola area free of charge since 1981. Since then, we’ve expanded our support groups to cover Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties in Florida as well as Escambia, AL. All of our support group facilitators are nurses, social worker, or chaplains of Covenant Hospice or Alzheimer's Family Services board members who have been trained by Alzheimer's Family Services. Our support group facilitators have a heart for the dementia caregiver and are here to support you in your role!
