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Imagine being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease; a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, which causes thinking and memory to become seriously impaired. It’s not hard to imagine how the opportunity to share your feelings with someone who had also been recently diagnosed would ease the fears and frustrations associated with this life changing experience.
This year, the United Way of Guelph & Wellington is allocating funds to the Alzheimer Society’s Peer Support for Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease, a program offering those recently diagnosed with the opportunity to discuss their feelings in a safe and comfortable environment with others who are also in the early stages of the disease.
“The group began in 2002 as a support group for couples who were dealing with one partner’s diagnosis, but we found that the partner in the care giving position often did 90% of the talking,” says Annette Bauman, Family Support Coordinator.
Realizing the importance of allowing individuals with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias to express their emotions on their own, the Alzheimer society began a discussion group for these individuals exclusively.
“They like the fact that the group is just for them,” says Annette.
Although the program offers an opportunity for education, the groups have begun to focus more on providing emotional support, “the members of the groups get comfortable enough to talk with others about their diagnosis and are very empathetic and helpful with one another,” says Annette. Discussions act as a check in with the members that discuss not only the disease but other things that are going on in their lives.
A recent evaluation of the program clearly showed how important this group is to its participants. Members commented that “I am more confident in myself.”; “I don’t feel quite so isolated”; and “It helped to solve problems because people are going through the same things.”
Annette noticed that one of the most important aspects of the group is that it gives the participants the opportunity to learn coping strategies from other members. Participants commented that the group was important because it allowed them to see that “…if others [in the group] are coping so can I!”, and “It helps to solve problems because people are going through the same thing.”
Annette commented that United Way funding will go a long way in continuing the success of the group especially as it has allowed them to provide a second group facilitator. This second facilitator is essential as they will ensure that one-to-one support is available if needed. The second facilitator will also be able to record notes throughout the session helping the members recall the discussions from week to week, which is often difficult due to symptoms of the disease.
Funding will also provide two reunions where participants and family members from the three groups will be able to get together at the Boathouse to enjoy an afternoon with friends they’ve made through the program in a very normal and social atmosphere.
To see a full list of United Way funded programs, please visit www.unitedwayguelph.com/pdfs/FundedAgencyList.pdf. |
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