Caring for any patient is demanding but caring for a person with dementia is often much more challenging. Dementia caregiving is considered as a more difficult form of caregiving because of the various challenges involved. Caregiving situations in dementia care are far more unique and may encompass a great many responsibilities. The nature of the disease is progressive. Constantly eroding cognitive abilities of the person under care mean supporting him/her at various levels. In such circumstances the support group is vital to the health and well being of the dementia caregivers and truly is a life line for the caregivers. Participation in the group has several advantages as below –
- The support group participants firstly and more importantly develop a feeling that they are not alone;
- The group provides an opportunity for exchanging ideas and tips about what has and hasn’t worked well for them. Caregivers start gathering ideas on how others deal with common challenges of caring during different stages of the disease. Through such discussions they start learning more about the disease and how the challenges would vary over the caregiving journey;
- The group offers a safe place where any negative emotions about caregiving (like anger, frustration, and grief), can be expressed without being judged;
- The group acts as a positive outlet providing caregivers an opportunity for social interaction outside of the home;
- The group organizes talks from experts who provide expert advice on related caregiving topics.
- The group helps caregivers maintain balance by doing something for themselves instead of always caring for their loved one. The group emphasizes the concept of self care which helps reduce caregiver stress;
- Caregivers also have an opportunity to share resources.
Support group meets on the second Sunday of every month at Tejas Nagar Virangula Kendra in Kothrud, Pune. The Virangula Kendra is located near Paranjape school on D. P. Road in Kothrud. Currently most of our Support group meetings happen online.
In addition to the support group, caregivers can also become a member of a WhatsApp group called Alz Support Pune. Members get information of the current activities and also share resources and exchange useful information on this group.