This evening 6 carers came along and we had a very full session. We welcomed Cathy to the team and she and Julie supported 1 person while their carer attended the group session.
The issues discussed by the group were:
- Feedback from the previous session – One carer reported that she had found the previous session really helpful and beneficial. She had been using the tips she had learnt and was coping better. Another carer reported that, as a result of attending the group, he had started talking about things he didn’t know he felt.
- Self care – The emotional impact of caring can be hard. Self care is vitally important. Carers to recognise it is not selfish to talk about their own needs. You can’t pour from an empty vessel.
- Deflection – Learning to adapt to situations and use strategies when interacting with the person with dementia. Use distraction techniques.
- Handling bad days – Try not to make a bad day worse than it is, try to keep calm and on an even keel, be prepared to walk away, if necessary. Even during bad times here will be good, and positive, moments. Use choice power to focus on these and let the bad times go.
- Music – The group talked about the power of music. A carer reported she had read that the songs we hear between the ages of 15 and 25 are the ones we remember most.
The next Carers’ Group is on Monday 13th November.
We look forward to seeing you next time.
Reflections 