Alzheimer s Australia NSW

Transcription

1 Alzheimer s Australia NSW Navigating grief and loss experiences Lyndell Huskins 22 nd October 2010

2 Projections 257,000 in ,000 in ,000 in 2050 Source: Access Economics Dementia Prevalence Estimates 2005

3 Support groups Support groups are a cost effective method in assisting carers Quality Support Groups Research Project What defines a quality dementia carer support group?

4 Key finding Carers of people with dementia are constantly faced with emotional stress due to the experience of grief and loss.

5 5 dimensions of grief and loss

6 Grief is an ever present stressor it is a true grief that is equal to or greater than the stress experienced in postdeath grieving (Noyes et al, 2009).

7 Skills of the group leader can determine the success of the group, and Have a positive or negative impact on group outcomes and the needs of carers

8 Grief and loss module A two day experiential workshop A leaders guide A structured session plan

9 Aims Introduce the topic Knowledge is enhanced Safe supportive environment Increased confidence Strengths are fostered and validated Mutual aid is engendered Structure and guidance

10 Outcomes Accommodation of grief Resilience is strengthened Strategies are articulated and validated Emotional expression is attended to Increased understanding of change and dementia

11 Worden s model of grief (1982)

12 Disenfranchised grief Anticipatory grief Ambiguous loss

13 Arbitrators of grief Religion Spirituality Culture Relationships Dementia

14 Common anxieties Feeling overwhelmed Not knowing what to do Crying Managing disclosure and anger

15 Leaders Guide Supports the workshop Reference tool Advice and strategies for leaders Practical interventions for carers Referral and resource information

16 Session Plan Guidance in preparing the group Procedure Group guidelines Self care Reconnection

17 Session Plan Express painful emotions Learn ways of understanding and accommodating grief Share experiences

18 Although I am very comfortable as a group leader, I wasn t sure how I would go in dealing with this topic The session plan helped me I was able to be a bit more assertive in a way I felt liberated.

19 During the session there were times when carers displayed obvious signs of grief at no time did I detect that anyone was uncomfortable indeed there was a great deal of respect and compassion

20 Grief is an ever-present issue when dealing with carers every day, even though we are often hesitant to identify it.

21 The session has been very worthwhile; It helps to know that it is normal and hear how other people cope What I am experiencing is real, is individual and shared by other carers I found the session to be insightful, cathartic and redeeming thank you

22 Grief changes you You are carrying something new with you How can you not be different? I think the most authentic gift I have to give is the sharing of my experience

23 Truly effective groups can require a lot more than just putting a group of carers together and encouraging them to share their feelings A shared understanding of the grieving process and how stories and feelings will be responded to, combined with careful planning and skilled facilitation, can play a key role in creating carer support groups that offer a high quality of practical and emotional support (O Shea1999).

24 Thank you Any questions?

25 Quality Support Groups Research Project