Volunteer Opportunity Details

Support Group Facilitators

Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia. The goal of Alzheimer's Association support groups is to provide emotional, social and/or educational support to group members. As facilitators, individuals may be responsible for general caregiver, adult children, spouse, gender-specific or language-specific groups.

Key Activities:

• Follow expectations and recommendations of the Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Manual, including participation in initial & ongoing training and submission of all required documentation to Chapter.
• Set up, arrange and prepare the room before and after each group.
• Coordinate any speakers/presenters with local chapter staff.
• Encourage participants to provide assistance and emotional support to one another.
• Present pertinent Association materials and information to group members.
• Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.

Qualifications:

• Ability to be empathic and separate personal needs from group needs.
• Strong listening and effective communication skills.
• Ability to redirect and facilitate discussion as well as fulfill the duties and responsibilities as described in the Facilitator Agreement.
• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect.
• Commitment to promote the mission and services of the Association and willingness to act as an extension of the Association.
• Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred.

Commitment Expected:

• Support Group Facilitators commit to a 1-year term delivering a monthly group. Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner.
• Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~4 hours).
• Support Group facilitators must observe 1 -3 groups led by a staff or mentor plus review facilitation skills with a staff partner prior to deployment in the community. This is dependent on experience of the facilitator (ever run a group or attended one).
• Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process.
• Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures.
• Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

• Perfect your active listening and group management technique.
• Serve your local community and people you care about.
• Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Build your resume and skill set.
• Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field.