Attending a Dementia Support Group


Attending a Dementia Support Group 


In my experience people are fearful or embarrassed to attend any form of support group. This feeling is due to the stigma that is associated with self-help and other forms of support groups; sure there are certain groups that are not going to be the right fit, groups that make you uncomfortable or groups where you don’t feel that others share the same experience as you. I still encourage you, as a dementia care giver to attend support groups until you find the right one for you.

The benefits of a dementia support group
-Finding out about dementia resources that you may need, if not now, maybe in the future 
-An opportunity to problem solve with others that have been through similar experiences and challenges
-Not feeling alone
-Realising that your spouse/parent with dementia shares the same challenges as others with dementia
-Dealing with the frustrations associated with caring for someone with dementia
-Assisting with the guilt that you are experiencing after placing your spouse/parent in a facility
-How to take care of yourself (Practical tips)
-Learning more about the illness and associated problems
-Hearing about the next stage of the disease and what you can expect
-Connecting with others that are going through the same experience and forming new friendships

Taking the time each month to attend a dementia support group can assist you in managing the emotional stress of caring for someone with dementia. There are many groups available around the Western Cape and each will have their own identify and feel. Find the group that suits your personality and situation best.

In connection with Alzheimer’s South Africa, we have started a monthly support group at The Villa which is open to the public.

Date: Tuesday, 27 March 2018
Time: 13:30
Venue: The Villa, at Nazareth House, 1 Derry Street, Vredehoek, Cape Town 
Contact: Lou-Ann van Heerden at 072 480 5810/ lou-ann@nazhousesa.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

4 Ways to Connect with Loved Ones with Dementia

Image
Tales to inspire and educate… In the spirit of this year’s Memory Bridge Training Retreat, here are four techniques that you can use to  create meaningful connections with loved ones with dementia : 1. Be Present Julia walked into a senior living community living room, smiled, squatted beside an elder’s wheelchair, and held her hand. They gazed into each other’s eyes for a full minute or two: content, kind, patient. We need not always fill the voids with words. We can sit quietly, utilizing nonverbal communication such as a smile or holding hands. Patience and presence is key. For those of us who serve in senior living, we often talk about the intuitive skill sets of elders with dementia — the ability to discern the intentions of a loved one or care partner. It is critical to truly be with, to be present. 2. Be Sure to Act Like a Mirror Ms. X couldn’t hear Grace without her hearing aid, so they simply sat together for a while, watching a gatherin...
Read more

Welcome to The Villa, Private Dementia Care Facility in Vredehoek, Cape Town

Image
The Villa- Dementia Care Facility  Welcome to the Villa! The Villa is a specialised dementia facility which offers 24 hour security, restricted access control, a registered nurse to supervise care, daily activities, single rooms with en suite bathrooms, daily cleaning services, laundry services, a beautiful landscape and support for families.  The staff members and residents are very close. We see each other like family as we laugh and go through the day together. Our aim is to provide the best quality of care, socialization opportunities and chances for engagement, happiness and overall well-being for residents living at The Villa. Residents engage in daily exercise groups, a variety of occupation based group activities and walks in the garden. Some residents sleep in a bit, while others are up early and on the go, some residents assist with setting the table while others enjoy being served. Individualized care is the best suited care for persons' with dementia a...
Read more

Taking care of a loved one with dementia:

Image
Helping families get a grip on the major responsibility of taking care of a loved one with dementia: At Nazareth House, we provide specialised care in the field of Dementia and Alzheimers.  When you receive the news of a loved one being diagnosed with Dementia, the news can be overwhelming, the advice out there not always very reliable, but one thing all can agree on is not to take this journey on by yourself.  It does not mean you care less, or you abandon your loved one if you seek out professional care.  In fact, that is the best and the responsible thing to do.  At Nazareth House we have the trained staff, absolute passion and experience to take care of your loved one without causing even further trauma.  It is a well-known fact that a person suffering from Alzheimers and Dementia will have severe mood swings, not because they are rude, but mostly because they are scared.  For family member it can cause stress and ...
Read more