National Conference

Alzheimer’s Australia’s 14th National Conference will be held in Brisbane from 17-20 May 2011. A wide range of experts will gather to take a different view of dementia.  For information: 
http:/www.alzheimers2011.com/program.htm

A report on dementia support groups in New South Wales by Alzheimer’s NSW

It was found that support groups help both the carer and the care recipient. Respondents consistently reported that belonging to a group and participating on a regular basis provided them with a double benefit. On the one hand, membership kept them abreast of current developments in treatment and services and ensured that they had access to the information they needed to best look after the person with dementia. On the other, they acknowledged the significance of belonging for their own well being, as the group was a source of companionship, advice and personal support, and confirmed they were not alone.

Research with family caregivers has consistently shown that caring for a relative with dementia is an isolating and often lonely experience. Support groups bring people together and enable them to share experiences.

When a person is diagnosed with dementia the immediate effect on the carer can be devastating. Some carers reported a lack of direction during this time, not knowing where to turn. To avoid undue carer distress and anxiety it is imperative to reduce the length of time between diagnosis and contact with quality support services for carers of people with dementia.

It was found that the average time span between a diagnosis of dementia and joining a dementia support group was 3 years.

Findings from the research indicate the driving force for support group membership is a need for education and information about dementia. Strong indications of a need for support were expressed as a desire to meet other carers in a similar situation and sharing experiences.

On first joining the group carers did not place a high priority on meeting their social or relational needs. However, when questionnaire respondents were asked what benefits they had received since they had been part of a support group, the overwhelming response was what can be described as the social process of mutual aid.

The findings from the quality support groups research project have found that support groups can effectively meet the diverse needs of carers of people with dementia in practical and emotional ways, and that the skills of the group leader have an important impact on the value of the group. This lays the foundation for the development of evidence based practices to produce quality outcomes for all dementia support groups, and all carer support groups.

Current dementia support group listings within Central Sydney are available on the CSGPN dementia webpage.