CONTACT: Family Support Coordinator:
Phone: (403) 290-0110 or toll-free 1-877-569-HELP (4357)
Email: familysupportcoordinator@alzheimercalgary.com
The Support Group Facilitator Training Program consists of two components. The first is a training module on how to start and maintain a support group. The second component offers information specific to support groups for caregivers of people with dementia. The dementia-specific component offers training for facilitators to run a support group that provides group members with information about dementia, the skills to provide care at home, as well as social and emotional support. Those who attend both modules will receive educational material as well as ongoing support for new support group facilitators.
Part One: How to Start and Facilitate a Support Group
Topics in this five-hour course include group composition, recruitment of group members, facilitation skills, group activities, and evaluation. The course is based on best practices for support groups for family caregivers, but the information may be transferred to any type of support group.
Part Two: Facilitating Dementia Caregiver Support Groups
This three-hour course provides the support group facilitator with information about dementia and caregiving that has been developed for use in support groups for family members of people with dementia in the Calgary area. Those who attend the course will receive a manual of information and support group session plans, as well as training on how to use the information in a support group.
It is desirable that individuals attending this course have a professional designation or experience in the area of family support.
See our course schedule.