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1. Developing Caregiver Support Groups {Hidden}

2. Talking Points Headline • Values of a Support Group • Starting a Support Group • Getting the Word Out • Running a Support Group • Conducting a Support Group • Guidelines & Ground Rules

3. Value of a Support Group Headline • Creates a safe & supportive environment to share & discuss experiences • Provides a break from day-to-day problems • Educates and informs • Develops methods and skills for solving problems • Encourages personal growth and development

4. Headline Starting a Support Group • Establish a budget (refreshments, materials, resources, etc.) • Establish the target group (caregivers of elders or individuals with disabilities, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren) • Inquire about other groups in the community • Seek feedback from caregivers • Conduct a needs assessment (formal or informal)

5. Headline Getting the Word Out • Word of mouth! • Newspaper, Internet, and/or Intranet announcements • Flyers sent out with Senior Center Calendar • Support Group info on Senior Center Calendar • Flyers posted on bulletin boards (Senior Center, Social Services, Behavioral Health, Health Centers, Dialysis Center, Finance, Legal Services, Library, Schools, Daycare Centers, Gyms)

6. Headline Running a Support Group • Act as a facilitator not a subject matter expert • Set and post group rules at each meeting for confidentiality, mutual respect for group members, and the sharing of ideas • Welcome diversity • Open up group with an icebreaker or activity • Help members join in group discussion and encourage the more passive members when appropriate • Reinforce the expression of feelings • Encourage ideas from group members for problem solving

7. Headline Conducting a Support Group • Sign-In • Welcome/Introductions • Review Agenda • Review Ground Rules (have them posted) • Icebreaker, Educational/Skill Building Activity, or Check-In • Discussion or Problem Solving • Wrap-up • Announcements • Closing - Complete Evaluations • Opportunities for One-on-One Discussions

8. Headline Guidelines and Ground Rules • Confidentiality • Mutual Respect-appreciate differences • Respect each other’s speaking time • Respect each other by listening, encouraging and supporting • Keep focused • Cell phones placed on ‘silent’ • Start and end on time

9. Headline Group Attendance • Group attendance will fluctuate • Keep the group small, if possible (5-20 members) • Contact group members about the next group session • Let each group member know they are a valued member of the group • Ask group members about topics of interest • Encourage group members to share phone numbers and/or activities with each other

10. Headline Discussion Topics for Groups • Stress Management • Healthy Boundaries • Positive Self-Talk • Tips for Self-Care • Grief and Loss • Legal Issues • Effective Communication Techniques

11. Headline Activities for Groups • Icebreakers • Collages – e.g., “It’s All About Me” • Short stress busters • Maze or puzzles • Partner up and have participants talk with each other about one great thing that happened during the week • Easy craft activities • Pot Lucks • Trips

12. Headline When to Refer for Help • Indicates harm to self or others • Domestic violence issues • Fraud & abuse • Long-term care & Ombudsman services • Trouble coping (more than normal) • Signs of depression • Physical or mental health issues • Legal assistance is needed with Power of Attorney, Advanced Medical Directives, Wills, Trusts, Guardianship, Custody Issues • Behavioral issues with children

13. Headline Where to Refer for Help • Senior Services (Congregate, Home Delivered Meals, Ombudsman, Caregiver Support/Home Care, etc.) • Tribal Behavioral Health Services • Tribal Legal Assistance Office • Community Support Groups • Medical Services • School Counselors • Area Agency on Aging • State Aging and Adult Services • Social Security/Medicare

14. Headline Activity Challenges in Support Groups How will you handle your challenge? - Get with a partner and role play your scenario - Decide on 2 ways to handle your challenge

15. Setting up a Family Care Planning Meeting {Hidden}

16. Planning for an Effective Family Care Planning Meeting Headline • Who Should Attend? • Agree on an appropriate location to meet • Agenda - Set Clear Goals • Set Ground Rules • Agenda • Choose a Facilitator • Assign Roles • Prepare for the meeting • When do we need outside help? • Available Resources

17. Headline Who Should Attend? • Family members – invite everyone (even those that are long-distance (by phone)) • Medical – Social Worker, Public Health Nurse, Care Manager • Senior Center staff • Respected friends or elders to help facilitate

18. Headline Guidelines & Ground Rules • Confidentiality • Mutual Respect-Appreciate Differences • Respect each other’s speaking time • Respect each other by listening, encouraging, and supporting • Keep focused • Cell phones placed on “silent” • Start and end on time

19. Headline Active Listening • Listen actively – be engaged, be involved • Practice Good Body Language - Did you know that words account for only 7% of what we communicate? 93% is communicated through body language, voice, tone and tempo. • Eliminate Distractions – Outer & Inner • Listen to the tone of voice • Resist the urge to respond or react. • Reflect back - Use your own words to paraphrase or summarize what was said. Ask if you heard correctly • Get confirmation or clarification

20. Headline Contact Information Mary Weston Elderly Services Program Coordinator Gila River Indian Community P: (520) 562-5232 Email: Mary.Weston@gric.nsn.us