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 6-7:30 p.m. on five consecutive Tuesdays beginning October 7. 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:
- October 7: Understanding and Accepting Dementia
- October 14: Common Brain Changes and Supportive Techniques
- October 21: Sensory Changes: Increasing Awareness and Understanding Impact
- October 28: Person-Centered Problem Solving
- November 4: Techniques to Reduce Distress
“This online support group is created specifically for friends and family members caring for someone with dementia,” says Dr. Kevin Valadares, Interim Director of the Bronstein Center and Professor and Chair of the Master of Health Administration and Health Informatics and Information Management programs. “Each week’s content is thoughtfully designed to be both engaging and impactful. Participants also benefit from connecting with others who are navigating similar experiences during these virtual sessions.”
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.”
