Becoming a Support Group Facilitator

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUPS are regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gatherings of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders, their family, friends, or caregivers. 
 
Once potential facilitators fulfill the prerequisites, they are eligible to attend a full-day training program that focuses on group dynamics, how to organize and sustain a successful support group, and Association policies and procedures.

If you are interested in serving as an Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Facilitator, follow the steps listed below.

Step 1: See the attached document, which will walk you through the requirements for support group affiliation. The training dates/locations for 2011-2012 and the training registration form are part of this document. Read through this document carefully before registering for the training to be sure you (and your group) are eligible for affiliation. Click here.

Step 2: Fill out the Volunteer Application. Click here.

Step 3: Click here to take the free, online course The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease course. This course is a prerequisite for training and should take about one hour of your time.

Step 4: Complete and email, mail or fax the support group facilitator training registration form with your payment to Cheryl Dawson, as indicated. (The form is in the document attached to Step 1.)

Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Facilitator Training

Length: Full day (8:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Cost: $40.00 (includes materials and cost of criminal background check; lunch is on your own)

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Define “Support Group”
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of the facilitator
• Discuss the importance of confidentiality
• List at least three support group models or formats
• Identify at least two strategies for marketing your group
• Demonstrate an understanding of techniques  that can be used to deal with challenging participants
• Utilize various group leadership techniques

All participants will receive a support group facilitator manual and a certificate of attendance.

Please note: Because of the highly interactive nature of this training, no more than 15 people will be allowed to register for each session. Pre-registration is required.

This training does not include education on Alzheimer’s disease and its symptoms. Support group facilitators are expected to have a solid understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. We suggest that potential facilitators have at least 3 years’ personal or professional experience in working with/caring for individuals with dementia and their families.
 
Any questions? Contact Melanie Chavin at melanie.chavin@alz.org.