The University of Southern Indiana Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, within USI’s Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions, is partnering with Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) to offer a free, online care partner support group designed especially for people caring for someone living with dementia.
The live virtual sessions will be held 7-8:30 p.m. on five consecutive Tuesdays beginning March 18. Each will be led by an experienced support group leader and include video clips with dementia expert Teepa Snow, interactive activities, discussions and caregiver resources.
Each week in the series, the sessions will build upon the previous topics discussed:
- March 18: Understanding and Accepting Dementia
- March 25: Common Brain Changes and Supportive Techniques
- April 1: Sensory Changes – Increasing Awareness and Understanding Impact
- April 8: Person-Centered Problem Solving
- April 15: Techniques to Reduce Distress
“The online support group is designed for friends or family members caring for someone living with dementia,” says Dr. Katie Ehlman, Director of the Bronstein Center and Professor of Gerontology. “The content is delivered each week in a format that is engaging and very meaningful. Plus, participants will connect with others on similar journeys during these virtual group meetings.”
One participant shared their experience with the PAC support group:
"I wanted to personally thank you for the opportunity to participate. My dad took part this past spring, and I participated this fall. We both found the series incredibly beneficial in better understanding the changes occurring with my mother, what to expect moving forward and learning strategies to support her as her dementia progresses. The insights we gained have been invaluable, and I am sharing this wonderful resource with others who have a loved one diagnosed with dementia. I truly hope this program continues for years to come to help caregivers like us."
Sessions will be facilitated via Zoom. Participants are required to connect a device with a camera and a microphone. To maintain confidentiality, sessions will not be recorded.
For more information, contact Warda Alaisari at waalaisari_se@usi.edu.