Taking Care of You Group

The “Taking Care of You Group” is a Carer Support Group facilitated by the Clinical Psychology Service for Older People. This group is for those who support and care for someone who has a diagnosis of dementia.
 
What you might find helpful from attending the group?
Caring is challenging, and many skills are needed. The group will focus on you, and how to maintain or improve your well-being in your caring role.
The group will also provide:

• Information about dementia and what to expect
• Information about how to recognise stress and distress in the person with dementia.
• Strategies to manage difficult behaviour which are often associated with memory problems, so they are less upsetting.
• Advice on planning for the future.
• Opportunity to meet other people in similar situations to yourself and to share ideas/advice with fellow group members.
   
  Eligibility Criteria
  The carer must have regular contact with the person who has dementia (at least three times a week).
   
  What format will be the group take
• Between 6-8 people will be invited to attend the group.
• There will be 6 fortnightly sessions. Each session will last approximately two hours with a break in the middle for coffee. The sessions are designed to be self-contained so you do not have to attend them all, but it would be more beneficial if you can attend as many as possible.
• The group structure will follow a similar format in each session. The group facilitator will provide some initial information and this will be followed by a group discussion. You do not have to speak if you do not want to.
   
  How do you join the group?
  It is essential to book your place in advance. Please note numbers are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If the course is oversubscribed we will place your name on a list and will invite you to attend the next programme. Please contact Dr Kathryn Quinn or Dr Joanna Dawson (01334) 696336 or Max Alford (01383) 565402 if you are interested in attending OR complete the opt in slip attached to the invitation letter and return in the post to us.
  You can also contact us by email:
• kathrynquinn@nhs.net
• j.dawson@nhs.net
• maxalford@nhs.net
  Please provide us with a telephone contact number so that we can call you to talk to you about the group so that you can decide if it is suitable for you.
  Where will the group be held:
  Abbeyfield Care Home
  55 Meldrum Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY2 5HY