Reflections on 12 Years of Facilitating Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups

2006 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley S. Earle
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
The Face ◽  
Objective Being

This article discusses the background, characteristics, caregiver benefits, and facilitator rewards of Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups conducted over a 12-year period. The objective being to motivate more professionals to start similar groups to increase supports for family members in the face of this devastating progressive disease and/or to encourage clients to consult their local Alzheimer’s Association to find caregiver groups already formed in or around their community. Providing or locating this service is strongly advocated by both the caregivers interviewed and the facilitator.

scholarly journals Dementia Caregiver Virtual Support—An Implementation Evaluation of Two Pragmatic Models during COVID-19

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Jacy A. Weems ◽  
Shana Rhodes ◽  
James S. Powers
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Implementation Evaluation ◽  
Dementia Caregiver ◽  
Virtual Care ◽  
Support Organizations ◽  
The Face ◽  
Virtual Support

Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) require support. Organizations have pivoted from traditional in-person support groups to virtual care in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe two model programs and their pragmatic implementation of virtual care platforms for ADRD caregiver support. A mixed methods analysis of quantitative outcomes as well as a thematic analysis from semi-structured interviews of facilitators was performed as part of a pragmatic quality improvement project to enhance delivery of virtual support services for ADRD caregivers. Implementation differed among individual organizations but was well received by facilitators and caregivers. While virtual platforms can present challenges, older adults appreciated the strength of group facilitators and reported enhanced connectedness related to virtual support. Barriers to success include the limitations of virtual programming, including technological issues and distractions from program delivery. Virtual support can extend outreach, addressing access and providing safe care during a pandemic. Implementation differs among organizations; however, some elements of virtual support may be long-lasting.

Support groups for caregivers of intellectually disabled family members: effects on physical-psychological health and social support

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1666-1677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Shun Wei ◽  
Hsin Chu ◽  
Chiung-Hua Chen ◽  
Yu-Jung Hsueh ◽  
Yu-Shiun Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Intellectually Disabled

Telephone Caregiver Support Groups

2005 ◽  
Vol 44 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 151-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara L. Smith ◽  
Ronald W. Toseland ◽  
Victoria M. Rizzo ◽  
Michele A. Zinoman
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Caregiver Support

scholarly journals Family caregiver support—a facilitator to empower family caregivers

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sílvia Fernandes ◽  
Paula Portugal ◽  
Lhara Mullins ◽  
Martin Power ◽  
Marina Letica-Crepulja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Support Strategies ◽  
Health Disorders

Abstract Background Mental disorders are highly prevalent, placing an enormous burden on individuals, society and economy. Research shows that family members who provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling mental conditions are themselves at risk. As a response to this problem, the project ‘Family Caregiver Support - Strategies and tools to promote the mental and emotional health of caregivers’ emerged, funded by Erasmus + Program and carried out by 8 European partners including ESS|P.PORTO. Objectives To empower family members as caregivers and to give them access to relevant medical information and to psychological support for their own needs. Methods A Guide and a Resource Pack concerning 9 important mental health disorders were developed. An interactive e-platform and a mobile App were developed to make available these materials. Validation of the products was carried out, in each country, by caregivers and health/social care professionals through online questionnaires. Data were collected and processed in an anonymous manner, and the confidentiality was ensured. Results In Portugal, 98% of respondents (25 caregivers/citizens interested on subject, and 25 health/social care professionals), consider the accessibility and attractivity of the platform very good or excellent; and more than 90% consider materials very effective for the caregiver’s empowerment. Some issues were identified to add to Resource Pack. Conclusions Data from partners is being processed but there is already strong evidence of the usability and efficacy of the project’s outcome, and a strong contribution was done for adult education concerning physical, mental and emotional health promotion of family caregivers.

Abstract P851: Embracing Virtual Connection: An Innovative Systemwide Approach to Support Groups

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly J Rossi ◽  
Nicole Westensee ◽  
Dienst Elizabeth ◽  
Danielle Hagedorn ◽  
Julie Schafer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
High Risk Patient ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Stroke Population ◽  
Virtual Platform ◽  
Problem Solve ◽  
Virtual Support

Background: Following a statewide stay-at-home order, Centura Stroke Support Group meetings were postponed indefinitely due to our high-risk patient population. Throughout the organization, stroke coordinators and support group leaders recognized the importance of community and continued support for the stroke population. The objective was to develop a creative survivor & caregiver support offering following social distancing guidelines given the Covid-19 restrictions, while collaborating & expanding opportunities for stroke support across the Centura system. Purpose: We hypothesized that we could successfully support stroke survivors & caregivers through a virtual platform during the pandemic & improve accessibility regardless of participant location or transportation. Methods: Group leaders assessed stroke survivors & caregivers ongoing needs through weekly outreach identifying the importance of the support group and a need for continued group access during the Covid-19 pandemic. Attendee’s indicated an interest in virtual support & a willingness to learn the required virtual platform. Leaders collaborated across the system to organize efforts in reaching survivors & caregivers at each hospital while sharing group curriculum & education systemwide; thus, allowing groups to meet at different times and increasing overall accessibility. Facilitators worked with individuals to problem solve potential issues navigating a virtual format. Results: The virtual format successfully provided support from the comfort & safety of home. Attendance increased in comparison to an in-person format. When asked about preference for an in-person setting only vs. a combination of in-person & virtual format, 80% selected a combination format. Working together across the system, stroke coordinators & group facilitators benefitted from a broader range of resources and connected the greater stroke community across Colorado. Conclusion: Regardless of future restrictions, hospitals should consider virtual support groups to increase accessibility for survivors & caregivers. There are benefits of the virtual platform which expand access to support by reducing barriers such as community availability and transportation.

Evaluation of Alzheimer's Australia Vic Memory Lane Cafés

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Briony Dow ◽  
Betty Haralambous ◽  
Courtney Hempton ◽  
Susan Hunt ◽  
Diane Calleja
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Human Research Ethics ◽  
People With Dementia

ABSTRACTBackground: This paper describes the evaluation of the Memory Lane Café service in Victoria, Australia. The Alzheimer's Australia Vic Memory Lane Café model aims to provide a social and educational service to people living with dementia and their carers, family members or friends. Dementia is a serious health issue in Australia, with prevalence estimated at 6.5% of people over 65 years of age. Living with dementia has significant social and psychological ramifications, often negatively affecting quality of life. Social support groups can improve quality of life for people living with dementia.Methods: The evaluation included focus groups and surveys of people with dementia and their carers, staff consultation, service provider interviews, and researcher observation. The Melbourne Health Mental Health Human Research Ethics Committee approved the project. Participants included people with dementia (aged 60 to 93 years, previously enrolled in the Alzheimer's Australia Vic's six-week Living With Memory Loss Program), their carers, friends and/or family members, staff working in the Cafés, and service providers with links to the Cafés.Results: This evaluation found that Memory Lane Cafés promote social inclusion, prevent isolation, and improve the social and emotional well-being of attendees. However, Cafés did not meet the needs of all potential attendees.Conclusions: The evaluation recommended that existing Café services be continued and possibilities for extending the Cafés be explored. Based on evaluation outcomes, the Department of Health Victoria is funding four additional pilot programs in café style support services.

scholarly journals GIVE A PIECE OF YOUR MIND: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF A FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP FOR DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S850-S850
Author(s):  
Jenny A Lagervall ◽  
Madeline R Lag ◽  
Sophie Brickman ◽  
Rebecca E Ingram ◽  
Leilani Feliciano
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Coping Strategy ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Emotional Tone ◽  
Grief Reactions

Abstract The online environment offers individuals a means of obtaining information, support, and social connection. Older adults are growing users of the internet1. Online support groups (e.g., Facebook groups) have been found to provide health-related information and encourage mental well-being2. They may be particularly advantageous for caregivers of individuals diagnosed with dementia, as it is difficult to leave loved ones with dementia alone. However, the mechanisms by which online support groups engage caregivers, and the content of support, have yet to be explored. In the current study, content from 100 posts from a private Facebook caregiver support group were evaluated for gender of post author, relationship to the person receiving care, distress, emotional tone, grief reaction, caregiver burden, and coping strategy. Results indicated that caregiver distress was associated with the presence of grief reactions, negative emotional tone, and higher caregiver burden. Utilizing venting as a coping strategy was associated with higher caregiver burden, similar to what is observed in a traditional in-person support group. Online communication for caregivers may provide an indication of caregivers’ psychological well-being, as specific coping strategies and grief reactions indicated higher levels of caregiver burden and distress. Research on interventions for dementia caregivers may benefit from a focus on online social support as a means of accessing caregivers and treatment delivery.

A phase I study of TPI287: A third generation taxane administered weekly in patients with advanced cancer

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2575-2575
Author(s):  
J. J. Hwang ◽  
J. L. Marshall ◽  
T. Ahmed ◽  
H. Chun ◽  
M. Basche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Human Tumor ◽  
Dose Escalation Study ◽  
The Face ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Dose Levels ◽  
Dose Limiting Toxicity ◽  
Mdr 1

2575 Background: TPI 287 is an investigational taxane designed to not be a substrate for mdr-1 and to bind to mutant tubulin. In preclinical studies, TPI 287 demonstrated activity against multiple human tumor xenografts in nude mice, including xenografts that expressed mdr-1 and that were resistant to other taxanes. The safety and tolerability of TPI 287 when administered weekly for 3 weeks followed by a 1 week rest (4 week cycle) was examined in this Phase 1 dose escalation study in patients (pts) with advanced neoplasms. Materials and Methods: TPI 287 was administered over 1 hour weekly for 3 weeks followed by 1 week of no treatment. Treatment cohorts consisted of 3 pts and were expanded to 6 pts in the face of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT); pts could remain on study until the development of progressive disease or an intolerable adverse event. DLT was defined as Gr 4 heme toxicity lasting 7 days; febrile neutropenia, Gr 3 thrombocytopenia with bleeding, Gr 3 elevation of transaminases lasting 7 days or any other Gr 3/4 toxicity other than nausea or vomiting. Results: 25 pts (M:F 16:9, median age 60, range 24 - 86) were enrolled in 7 dose levels ranging from 7–185 mg/m2. Pts’ cancers included colorectal (6 pts); NSCLC (2); prostate (2); squamous cell carcinoma (2) and 1 pt each with cervical, breast, ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, bladder endometrial, NSCLC, SCLC, glioblastoma, melanoma, renal cell and hepatocellular carcinoma. All pts but 1 had received prior chemotherapy (median no. prior treatments: 3 (range, 1–7). Drug related adverse events included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, anorexia, rash, anemia and peripheral neuropathy. 1 pt., who was inadvertently treated with inadequate marrow reserve, experienced Gr 4 neutropenia and died of sepsis. DLT of Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy has been observed. PK data to date reveal that AUC is generally dose linear. At a dose of 127.5 mg/m2, clearance was 30.2 + 11.9 L/hr/m2 and t1/2 8.6 + 1.3 hrs. Results are similar with non-compartmental methods and 2-compartment modeling. Conclusions: TPI 287 can be safely administered in doses of up to 127.5 mg/m2 weekly x 3. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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