How to Lead a Dementia Support Group

Traditionally thought of as a sign of senility or aging, dementia is a destructive mental condition caused by changes in the functions of the brain. Dementia symptoms include radical changes in mood, personality, mental ability and memory. A support group provides a resource for people struggling with dementia; however, leading this type of group requires knowledge of the condition and the ability to disseminate information and assistance for group participants and their loved ones and caregivers.

Instructions

• 1

  Implement consistency in meeting times, venue and procedure to ensure that people can make participation in the support group a part of their regular routine. This is important for group members that rely on the support group for resources, answers and to serve as an outlet for their experience, whether your group is open just to sufferers of the condition or loved ones and caregivers.

• 2

  As group leader, you probably have some experience with dementia. Share this experience and all you have learned with the group. Not only does it provide you with credibility and lend insight into the symptoms of the condition, but it also gives you an opportunity to gain support from other group members to deal with your personal situation.

• 3

  Provide written resources. Because dementia is such a challenging mental condition, understanding the causes, signs, symptoms and treatment options can be downright overwhelming. Provide your group members with written information on all of the above as well as phone numbers and websites where they can get further assistance.

• 4

  Share the group management responsibility. This is particularly important if you have a large group of members. It can be challenging to shoulder the entire load of preparing for a support group meeting, leading it, answering questions and finding the answers, conducting one-on-one chats with group members and maintaining the logistics of running a support group. Designate another member of the group to act as leader in case of your absence. Ask this person to spend time with you every week to prepare for the meetings to ensure they are as familiar with how to run the group as you are.

• 5

  Book special speakers. Speakers provide expert insight and the latest information on dementia research for your group. Since new treatments are being innovated all the time, it is important for your group to be aware of them and fully understand their options. Moreover, special speakers might provide services to dementia patients, which group members might not otherwise have been aware of before speaking at the meeting. From Alzheimer's specialists to dementia caregiver support organizations and more, speakers can be an invaluable resource for the support group members.