Empower and support caregivers in Harris County

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Alzheimer's Association Support Group facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia.

Key Activities:

· Encourage participants to provide assistance and emotional support to one another.

· Present pertinent Association materials and information to group members.

· Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.

Qualifications:

· Ability to be empathetic and separate personal needs from group needs.

· Strong listening and effective communication skills.

· Ability to redirect and facilitate discussion as well as fulfill the duties and responsibilities as described in the Facilitator Agreement.

· Commitment to promote the mission and services of the Association and willingness to act as an extension of the Association.

· Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional (preferred but not mandatory).

Commitment Expected:

· Support Group Facilitators commit to a 1-year term, meeting monthly.

· Orientation includes: online general volunteer orientation (1 hour) + program volunteer orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~4 hours).

· Support Group facilitators must observe 1 group in the community led by a staff or mentor plus review facilitation skills with a staff partner prior to deployment in the community.

· Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process.

· Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures.

For more in-depth information about Alzheimer's and Dementia (45 min), follow this link: https://training.alz.org/products/4053/understanding-alzheimers-and-dementia After creating a simple account, click "Add to Cart" (it's free!), then "Enroll Now." You'll then have access to this helpful educational program. We hope you'll take advantage and learn more!