Week of February 1 - February 7, 2009
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| "Studies show support groups not only decrease stress and improve wellbeing on the part of the caregiver but also, through the education they provide, delay the need for nursing home placement for the patient,” said Dr. Paul Raia. |
WATERTOWN, Mass. -- Support groups can impact the physical and mental wellbeing of caregivers, but some people simply cannot attend them. The Alzheimer’s Association hopes to open the door to support by offering a new telephone-based group for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
“Research has made it clear that attending a support group benefits not only the caregiver, but also the person they are caring for. Studies show support groups not only decrease stress and improve wellbeing on the part of the caregiver but also, through the disease education they provide, delay the need for nursing home placement for the patient,” said Dr. Paul Raia, Vice President of Patient Services and Family Support, Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s goal is to insure that all caregivers have access to a group if they want to attend. Caregivers who are homebound either because they taking care of the person with the disease or they don’t have transportation to get to a group can benefit from participating in a tele-group. The Alzheimer’s Association also expects the group to be helpful in rural areas, where there may not be enough caregivers in a given geographic location to form a group.
The group is slated to begin in February. It is free to join and there are no toll charges involved in the call. Prospective members are required to call one of the group facilitators prior to the meeting to receive information and instructions on how to access the teleconference line. In Massachusetts, call Ginny Sinkoski at 413-787-1113; in New Hampshire, call Susan Antkowiak at 603-606-6590.
SUPPORT GROUPS:
MORE ARTICLES ON THIS SITE
Secrets from a Caregiver's Support Group
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"Therapeutic fibbing" caused Jamie to smile with understanding when she heard the new phrase for a white lie. She cares for her elderly mother with Alzheimer's.
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At-Risk Telephone Support Group
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A phone-based support group for anyone with an Early-Onset Alzheimer's sibling starts Oct. 22. "Early Onset" has genetic links, implying risk for siblings. The support group by phone will run for eight sessions.
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Support Groups & Counseling Boost Caregiver Health
 A new study finds that counseling for a caregiver brings real benefits to them as well as to the person with Alzheimer's they are caring for.
MORE INFORMATION:
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. In Massachusetts, programs include a 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900, support groups, education offerings for families and training for health care professionals. For more information, visit www.alz.org/MANH.
ARTICLE SOURCES:
Business Wire, A Berkshire-Hathaway Company
Reviewed by
Dr. Boaz Ancselovic, MD, Geriatrician, Alzheimer's Weekly
Edited by Peter Berger, Alzheimer's Weekly
COPYRIGHT © 2008 Alzheimer's Weekly LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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