What is a caregiver support group?
The hour-long monthly caregiver support meetings are for caregivers who care for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The participants come to the meeting to support one another and share their stories and advice. It’s a safe space where caregivers help caregivers.
How does the meeting work?
The support meetings are run by the participants, many of whom have a lot of hands-on experience caring for Alzheimer’s patients. Each caregiver takes a turn to share their story or current situation. Other participants and the facilitators offer support and suggestions that are helpful for the other participants. Most importantly they offer ideas and useful experiences.
What is discussed at the meetings?
The most common conversation from caregivers is the struggle with guilt. Dealing with a partner or parent requires so much time and support that it’s normal to feel guilt.
Other topics discussed include:
- coming to terms with their new caregiver role and how it impacts relationships
- the sadness, grief and responsibility as caregivers struggle with this difficult role
- the need for self-care for caregivers
- recommendations for how to handle difficult situations
When and where does the group meet?
The second Tuesday of each month the Alzheimer’s support group meets at Community Health’s Allen Pond location in Suite 403. The meeting of up to a dozen Rutland area Alzheimer’s caregivers and family members is one of about 16 volunteer-led Alzheimer’s support groups in Vermont.
Who are the support group facilitators?
The volunteer facilitators at Community Health are full-time healthcare professionals who work as Community Health Care Managers. They are trained to be support group facilitators by the Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Caregivers are spouses, children, friends and family
According to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, caregivers are identified as:
- Two-thirds are women
- Over half are providing assistance to a parent or in-law with dementia
- About 10% provide help to a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease of another dementia
- About 30% are 65 and older
The report said the number of Vermonters 65 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will increase 31% by 2025. About 1.2 million additional direct care workers will be needed before 2030 – more new workers than in any other single occupation in the U.S. More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia, a contribution valued at nearly $340 billion.