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Who
can join?
The
Telephone Support Group is a form of group support
for people unable to attend regular carer support
meetings. Participants may be isolated from a carer
support group due to distance, physical illness, or
because of special factors related to the care of
a person with dementia that confine them to the home.
Contact the Association if you are unsure whether
these criteria apply to your situation.
Why
join the group?
Like
regular carer support groups, the Telephone Support
Group is an informal gathering of people who share
similar experiences, situations, or concerns. Regular
meetings provide support group members with practical
and emotional support on every day issues faced by
the carer.
What
is the role of the coordinator?
Coordinators
gather information on a range of issues in consultation
with members. Depending on the interests and concerns
of those who attend, information about general dementia
issues, carer-related services, and difficult behaviours
may be provided.
How
does the group operate?
Teleconference
Support Groups operate monthly at a regular time.
Each participant will receive a call from Telstra's
Conferlink service to connect a conference call.
Once all participants are connected the coordinator
will take a roll-call and begin the group discussion.
Group
size and duration
The
group comprises of 4 to 6 members and will last for
approximately one hour.
Is
there a cost?
The
support group is free to carers. Apart from your phone,
there is no additional equipment required to participate.
Am
I expected to attend?
Naturally,
circumstances will arise when you are unable to attend
the meetings. Simply let the coordinator know in advance
to the scheduled meeting time and you will be exempt
from that session. If you no longer wish to be a member
of the Telephone Support Group, you may leave at any
time.
Participants
comments on the usefulness of the Telephone Support
Group:
"I
am a long way from town and it is heartening to
know that people have similar problems and feelings"
"I
find that by listening to people I can realise what
could be ahead of me"
"Quite
often someone can tell you an easier way to go about
things"
"I
like relating to people who understand, other people
just don't appreciate what you are trying to cope
with"
For
more information or to join the Telephone Support
Group contact: Help Line 1800 639 331
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