Alzheimer’s San Diego’s Support Group facilitators are a diverse group of trained individuals. These people have committed their time and compassion over the years to support care partners navigating the dementia journey. For many of these individuals, the disease has touched their lives directly. Therefore, the work is personal and heartfelt. With over 30 groups offered regularly – in person, virtual, or over the phone – there is a group for every care partner. As we continue highlighting Support Group Awareness Month, keep reading to learn more about our valued support group facilitators.

Looking back on their beginning, several facilitators shared their initial hesitations about the leadership role. Their thoughts centered on whether it was a right fit for them given what they knew of the difficulties ahead for care partners. But over time, the leaders came to appreciate the importance of sharing all aspects of caregiving with their group members. In many cases, the facilitators have found the “bad news” or difficult situations discussed resulted in breakthroughs of awareness for the other members, sometimes even sparking a humorous note into the meeting. One facilitator acknowledged countless positive outcomes from otherwise heartbreaking discussions. Also, participants have told facilitators they experience reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness because of group feedback when discussing their experiences.

Facilitators have honed the skill of listening to be able to encourage care partners to share their experiences with the group. Due to the facilitators’ life experiences and training, they’re able to introduce topics and ask questions that provide an opportunity for group members to discuss multiple facets of caregiving. Having felt the varying emotions related to this experience, facilitators are in a position to help care partners acknowledge and explore emotions that are often ignored. Facilitators have shared how much they enjoy the group exploring pathways for care partners to manage self-care for their own well-being. Below are additional insights shared from several support group facilitators on why they lead:

“I return because the participants return. They tell me the meetings help them.”

“I come back to be part of the effort to improve lives.”

“My heart is in assisting families and loved ones with Alzheimer’s.”

“I come back because I have a deep compassion for the isolation and other demands on caregivers.”

“I have received satisfaction in supporting members’ confidence to grow.”

“I have witnessed stress reduction through the sharing that takes place.”

“It is gratifying to watch a member experience an ‘aha’ moment.”

“I receive personal fulfillment knowing someone in the group learned something or left the meeting feeling better.”

“I am gratified knowing my experience is helping others.”

“I have gained a great sense of humility as I observe the demanding work of caregivers.”

Support group facilitators know the road is long for those caring for a person with memory loss and recognize the tremendous value of the support group experience. Facilitators are adept at creating a safe environment for care partners to interact with each other as they empower one another on this journey. “It’s a rich experience,” shared one leader. If you would like more information about our care partner support groups, or you are interested in becoming a trained group facilitator, contact Ellen Boucher at 858.966.3305 or eboucher@alzsd.org.