Caregiver Peer Action Group for Caregivers
Two things I learned as a caregiver: one, time is limited, and two, caregivers, as a group, have a lot of collective wisdom. While the medical community is designed, ready, and willing to help the patient, caregivers often become invisible. At the end of the day, there is little time left for self-care, and often more questions than answers. Who are the experts to help caregivers? Most of the time, it is other caregivers. They may have already found the best member of the medical team to answer to your questions, where to go for help, and how to save time. A Caregiver Peer Action group of caregivers brings together the expertise of their experience and a safe place to share their wisdom, and receive guidance and support.
You Should Join a Caregiver Peer Action Group if:
- You are caring (unpaid) for a family member, neighbour or close friend who is living with challenges due to a chronic disease, disability or age related needs.
- You worry about finances, life balance, relationships, and/or your health.
- You feel anxious and afraid about the uncertainty of the future.
- You feel isolated and alone.
- You feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the demands you have as a caregiver.
- You have little or no time for looking after yourself.
- You are looking for a caring and understanding community of peers.
- You are willing to commit to attend and participate in the group meetings.
- You have an interest in a positive approach to finding balance in your life.
Why join a Caregiver Peer Action Group?
- To quickly and efficiently get answers, ideas and solutions.
- To get the benefit and wisdom of sharing with others who have had similar experiences and challenges.
- Support and accountability to get real progress and results in your caregiver role and personal life.
- An instant and valuable support network.
- A sense of shared experiences- you are not alone.
- Learn how you can take charge of your life, and have time for you.
- Discover proven techniques for finding balance in your life.
What is a Caregiver Peer Action Group?
A Caregiver Peer Action group is a peer group of four to six members who support and challenge each other to create and implement goals, brainstorm ideas, and support each other with total honesty, respect, and compassion. When you participate in a Caregiver Peer Action group you gain insight, receive support and have accountability so that you achieve the results you are seeking.
The structured agenda ensures everyone gets an opportunity to share successes/wins, what problem they want to resolve, or a skill they want to work on. The Caregiver Peer Action meeting ends with a focus on gratitude. Members leave the Caregiver Peer Action group meeting with a renewed sense of energy, possible solutions to what’s troubling, and accountability on an action plan.
Caregiver group format:
The caregiver Caregiver Peer Action group is a minimum twenty-four week commitment, meeting every two weeks for about one and a half hours, with four to six people in the group. The first fifteen minutes will be a mini-seminar on a caregiver topic, followed by the structured Caregiver Peer Action group agenda. Meetings can take place in person, on the phone, via Skype or Google Hangout.
To create a successful Caregiver Peer Action group, commitment is necessary. The caregiver Caregiver Peer Action Groups will comprise of highly motivated people who are willing to show up to every meeting, ask for help, and share their wisdom and support with others.
If you are interested in participating in a Caregiver Peer Action group, or want more information, please take a few minutes to provide the following information. Lorna will contact you to discuss the Caregiver Peer Action group opportunity with you.