Break All the Rules; Attend a Support Group!
Every month I have the honor and privilege to facilitate our local Alzheimer’s caregiver support group for African Americans. We worked hard to establish this group in the Charlotte region, after recognizing that not one single group existed focusing on the perspective of an African American.
It baffled me to think that the minority group most impacted and diagnosed by Alzheimer’s had no type of support group to tap into in my local community.
Fast forward 3+ years later, our group is running and growing more than ever. Every month we have a new caregiver to attend and each group member share’s their experience, perspective, and caregiving techniques.
One particular month we did a new activity I introduced to the group called, “Praise and Polish.” A wonderful ice breaker, introduction activity.
This activity helps caregivers really focus on giving themselves Praise for the wonderful things they have accomplished in the past week, and things they’d like to Polish (or improve upon) for the coming weeks.
The ice breaker was a gateway to caregiver empowerment and an underlying theme of the need to “polish” the concept of self care. I was so proud of the group members as they began to share ideas and practical ways of how they take care of themselves:
- Listening to variety of music genres
- Exercising physically and mentally
- Disengaging from a challenging incident and going to the other room to take a deep breath
- Taking care of own physical health & getting regular check ups
- Getting out of the home to socialize and do fun activities that make them happy
Each group member shared their own unique ways of taking care of themselves and it helped to encourage and offer new tips for the other group members.
This is why I appreciate the power of support groups. Caregivers are strengthened by their own testimonies and praise, while offering support and concrete advice for other caregivers.
If you are a caregiver, I encourage you to get connected to a support group soon! This month especially, being Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, gives you the perfect opportunity to commit to exercising healthy brain skills and accepting support.
See below a few benefits of attending a support group:
Ask me how to get connected to a local support group OR how to start a support group in your local area!
2 Responses
Hi , I am a wife & caregiver to my hubby who had several strokes in the past six years, two of the strokes were major ones, however I’ve been dealing with this for the past five years alone, I know there are support groups out there but I seem to never find time to seek a good one out, I’m kind of like sat in my own ways which I know is not good at all, I sometimes wonders if there really someone or someplace that can really make it easier at this point….I’m reaching out in hope if there any hope out there to ease this loneliness of selfishness/pride within.
Thank you very much
Hi Towanda,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m so glad that you are open to the idea of attending a Support Group (when you are ready). Support Groups have varying dynamics and caregiver topics, and that is why I always encourage caregivers to do some digging first. You may have to research & contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see what types of groups they offer for caregivers. If you are looking for a dementia-specific group, the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) has local chapters in every state that offer groups. Now, with COVID-19 taking place, a lot of support groups are meeting virtually!! This is an even better opportunity to “trial” a group and see if you like the style, dynamics, and topics of the group. Let’s chat further so we can find a good fit for you!