Caregiver support groups: training and empowering volunteer facilitators

In order to provide caregiver support group facilitators with the knowledge they need to be successful in their role, it is important to conduct training for new caregiver support group facilitators. The purpose of this project was to develop and conduct a caregiver support group facilitator training to be used by the Adult Day Health and Alzheimer's Services Program of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center. A needs assessment survey was conducted of caregivers who attend caregiver support groups. Using a general induction approach, key themes were found which informed the development of the training. The training was two hours in length and was conducted at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center for six new and continuing caregiver support group facilitators. The key topics included in the training were: Introduction to Facilitation; Caregivers – Who are they? Why do they come to support groups?; Community Resources; Brief Dementia Overview; Group Dynamics; Challenges That May Arise – Tips and Techniques; and, Practical Applications. After receiving the training, facilitators report that they were better prepared to successfully carry out their role of facilitating caregiver support groups. The training will continue to be used by the agency to train future volunteer facilitators.