We are looking for 1-2 volunteers in Porter/LaPorte area to facilitate or co-facilitate a support group for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. The support group creates an environment for caregivers to receive/share support and education with others on a monthly basis.
Skills Needed:
Knowledge of and willingness to learn about and keep current on Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on families.
Pertinent professional background and/or personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease.
Comfort with the expression of a wide array of emotions
Ability to separate personal needs from group needs.
Strong listening skills.
Must not be a current caregiver.
Responsibilities:
Attend basic and on-going training designed to provide current information, enhance skills and network with other support group facilitators.
Promote member participation in chapter programs and services, distribute chapter literature and information, and submit monthly attendance sheets/report forms to chapter office.
Help make/maintain arrangements for meeting room
Notify the chapter office of support group meeting changes in a timely manner.
Ensure confidentiality within the group. Group member names and addresses are confidential and can only be released to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Conduct group meetings in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined by the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana.
Inform the Alzheimer’s Association of any questions and/or concerns related to the support group.
Training:
Potential volunteers will attend new Support Group Facilitator/Volunteer training that will include: overview of Alzheimer's disease, mission and resources of the Alzheimer's Association, guidelines, starting an Alzheimer’s support group, group process, group dynamics, group maintenance, and group evaluation.
Attend and observe an existing support group meeting is required. Contact existing facilitator prior to observation.
On-going trainings as required.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to submit an application, visit our website: http://alz.org/indiana/in_my_community_participate.asp
