Online Dementia Caregiver Support Groups

Support groups are often recommended for people who share a common problem. Talking with others who "understand" what you are going through can help end isolation. It can make you feel better just knowing you are not alone. Sharing with people who have similar feelings and frustrations is a great way to help alleviate some of your own fears and doubts. You can learn a lot from those who have been there. Being part of a group offers you an opportunity to provide support and helpful advice to others. Social connection is an important part of maintaining good mental health. It can help alleviate stress.

     If you are a struggling caregiver to someone with dementia, or you want to connect with others, you may find it difficult to get out to a support group offered by your local Alzheimer's association or other agency or program. It may be hard just to leave the house for an hour or two because your loved one is unsafe. You may have trouble finding someone to provide respite while you go out.

     An alternative is to join an online group through websites such as Facebook. I have found a few groups that you may want to check out to see if they suit your needs or not. Most of these groups are "Closed" and you must be approved by an administrator to join. You can be a part of the group and decide if it meets your needs or not. If it's not for you, it is easy to leave the group and move on to something else.

Facebook Groups (you need a Facebook account) for caregivers of people with dementia:

• Dementia Caregiver Solutions Support Group (I am a co-Admin of this group)
• Dementia Caregivers Support Group
• Dementia Aware
• Dementia Information for Diagnosed, Family Members, Caregivers & Professionals
• Frontal Lobe Dementia
• Lewy Body Dementia 
• Lewy Body Dementia Support Group
• Memory People (people with dementia are also a part of this group)
• Vascular Dementia

This listing is not exhaustive, and the availability of groups can change at any time. Please do your own search to see if there are any new groups for you to check out.

Please comment below if you have any other groups or information to share.

- Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW
Specialist in Aging

www.AngelaGGentile.com

As a Social Worker...

Edited by Angela Gentile, MSW RSW. Please share freely.

That One Client

I came across a quote on Facebook, and it said, "Every Nurse has that one patient that they'll remember forever." It also had a "red cross symbol" on it.  It immediately made me think about my career as a social worker, and the fact that there is also that one client that I will remember forever.

I don't think I'll ever forget a certain young male. He was in his early 20's. It was a very complex case, and this young man had a terminal illness. I learned a lot about hope, culture, Multiple Sclerosis, family dynamics, stigma, shame, the health care system, financial stressors, the social system, allied health care professionals, death, and so much more.

It made me think about changing that quote about nurses, so I made my own quote: "Every Social Worker has that one client that will be remembered forever." I am also wondering if this is true for every helping professional? I believe it is an honour to be part of people's lives in their times of need, and we learn so much about ourselves and others. Some of those people and families will never be forgotten.

Warm regards,

Angela G. Gentile, MSW RSW
Specialist in Aging
www.AngelaGGentile.com

35 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know (Book)

Book Review:  35 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know, by Bradley T. Erford, Susan H. Eaves, Emily M. Bryant and Katherine A. Young (2010)

Here's a great book full of counseling techniques.  A brief origin of the technique is described, "how to implement" and an example is provided for each one.  Each chapter ends with a "usefulness and evaluation" of the technique.

Techniques based upon brief counselling approaches:

1.  Scaling
2.  Exceptions
3.  Problem-Free Talk
4.  Miracle Question
5.  Flagging the Minefield

Techniques based upon Adlerian or psychodynamic approaches:

6.  I-Messages
7.  Acting As If
8.  Spitting in the Soup
9.  The Mutual Storytelling
10. Paradoxical Intention

Techniques based upon Gestalt principles:

11. Empty Chair
12. Body Movement and Exaggeration
13. Role Reversal

Techniques based upon social learning:

14. Modeling
15. Behavioral Rehearsal
16. Role Play

Techniques based upon cognitive approaches:

17. Self-Talk
18. Visual/Guided Imagery
19. Reframing
20. Thought Stopping
21. Cognitive Restructuring

Techniques based upon behavioral approaches using positive reinforcement:

22. Premack Principle
23. Behavior Chart
24. Token Economy
25. Behavioral Contract

Techniques based upon behavioral approaches using punishment:

26. Extinction
27. Time Out
28. Response Cost
29. Overcorrection

Techniques based upon cognitive-behavioral approaches:

30. Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
31. Bibliotherapy
32. Deep Breathing
33. Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training (PMRT)
34. Systematic Desensitization
35. Stress Innoculation Training

I don't see mindfulness here, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Great resource for counselors.

- Angela G. Gentile, MSW RSW
Specialist in Aging
www.AngelaGGentile.com

Professional Development for the Professional

I have come across a few companies that provide professional development in the field of health and mental health.  I will add to this list as I find new resources.  If you have any others to add, please let me know.

(These are Canadian resources).

Achieve Training Centre - Promoting Leadership and Organizational Performance

HQS Professional Development - Committed to organizing quality conferences and contributing to the professional development of health care providers in our community

Jack Hirose and Associates - Mental Health and Educational Seminars





-- Angela G. Gentile

A Prayer for Social Workers

Bless them in the work they do for our patients, residents and clients across the system. They are advocates for those we serve and their families with the staff and physicians. 

Social Workers lend themselves to listening not only with their ears but with their hearts to determine the myriad of needs to be filled. They are educators and provide direction to those in need as our residents, clients, patients and families attempt to maneuver through the complexities of health care.

As an integral part of the team they provide the bridge to outside resources and services so that those we serve may benefit from uninterrupted care and are enabled to continue their healing.

We ask You to protect each of them to provide them with sufficient grace to be your hands and feet as they care for our mothers and their children, the elderly, the sick and dying and all Your children with special needs.

Written by the Pastoral Care staff at Holy Redeemer Hospital. 

Child Abuse Help Lines Around the World

If you ever suspect a child is being abused (includes physical and sexual abuse, and neglect), here are some phone numbers and websites to refer to.  Many of them also have online chats and email services.  Here is a list of child abuse help lines and hotlines from around the world.

Canada: 

Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868

www.kidshelpphone.ca.

We're Canada's only toll-free, 24-hour, bilingual (English and French) and anonymous phone counseling, web counseling and referral service for children and youth. Every day, professional counsellors provide support to young people across the country. The service is completely anonymous and confidential - we don't trace calls, we don't have call display. You don't even have to tell us your name if you don't want to.

UK: 

Childline  0800 1111

http://www.childline.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

Online chats also available.

USA, Territories and Canada: 

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453

http://www.childhelp.org/

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the United States, its territories, and Canada, the Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, can provide assistance in 170 languages. The Hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are anonymous and confidential.

World Child Abuse Hotlines:

• Australia: 1800 688 009 (CAPS)
• New Zealand: 0800-543-754 (Kidsline)
• Other international helplines: ChiWorld.org

- Angela G. Gentile, MSW RSW

Specialist in Aging

www.AngelaGGentile.com