Sustaining the Family
Caregiver Program

The array of services offered in our Sustaining the Caregiver Program is tailored to address the needs of spouses, companions, adult children, other family members, and friends caring for or providing assistance to individuals with memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Programs are built on the understanding that memory disorders can be frustrating, challenging, and sometimes puzzling. Information, education, and support may help both the caregiver and the person with the memory disorder to maintain the highest possible levels of health, well-being, and quality of life.

Most of these programs are complimentary as a result of many generous grants, gifts, and support of our Caring Hearts Auxiliary. These programs include the following:

• Care Consultations - A staff member provides caregivers with individualized wellness consultations based on "what matters most" at the time of the consultation. The intent is to provide information that will assist with positive approaches to care of the person with the memory disorder and well as promote the health and wellbeing of the caregiver. These are typically one-time, issue-focused visits provided on an as-needed basis.
• Psychotherapy/Counseling – Available to individuals of all ages seeking to develop healthier, more effective habits and coping skills, including individuals newly diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage dementia, or other diagnoses that affect memory and/or wellness and their family caregivers. Counseling is available to caregivers who are struggling with emotional reactions (most often sadness, depression, anxiety, and stress) to their changing roles and responsibilities. (See above description.)
• SPA for Caregivers - Self Preservation Activities include psychoeducational presentations that inform caregivers about a variety of issues associated with caring for someone with a memory disorder. Topics include: understanding the diagnosis of dementia, medication issues, handling behavioral and psychological changes, Advance Care Planning (ACP), recommended lifestyle interventions, and managing stress.
• Community Education and Outreach - The Memory and Wellness Center offers the “MINDSET” classes, which are free for service activities conducted at the Center. We also offer free educational presentations to the community, such as “Keeping Your Mind Sharp” lectures. Please contact us if you would like to attend one of these activities or if your organization or community is interested in hosting a lecture.

Dates and content subject to change. For more information and registration for any of the above events, call: 561-297-0933.

Virtual Support Groups schedule

 

In light of the current pandemic, the MWC has switched all in-person support groups to meeting via an FAU-approved virtual platform, called WebEx. We have also expanded our support group network to include a group facilitated fully in Haitian-Creole and a group facilitated fully in Spanish. Please find the weekly schedule of virtual support groups below, along with a description of each group, in order to find the best fit for your support.

 

Adult Children Caregiver Support Group - for family members involved in the care of someone with a memory disorder - children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews focused

 

Young-Onset Caregiver Support Group - for family caregivers (family members involved in the care of a loved one with a memory disorder) who was diagnosed before the age of 65

 

General Caregiver Support Group - for family caregivers (family members involved in the care of a loved one with a memory disorder) - spousal caregiver focused

 

“Transitions” Support Group – for family caregivers whose loved ones have passed on; this group focuses on the transitions relating to and within the family caregiver role after the loss of a loved one.

 

Haitian Older Adult Support Group - for older adults to discuss problems, share concerns, and obtain support during pandemic and otherwise, related to memory disorders, general physical well-being, and mental health; group facilitated fully in Haitian-Creole

 

Grupo de Apoyo en Español - General Caregiver Support Group in Spanish - for family caregivers (family members involved in the care of a loved one with a memory disorder); group facilitated fully in Spanish

 

If you are interested in joining a group, please contact Patricia Ordóñez, Supportive Services Coordinator, at pordonez@health.fau.edu.