Missions and Ministry
Dementia Support Group for Carers
By Carol Browning
My interest in Dementia was sparked when someone close to me was diagnosed (about 7 years ago) with Mild Cognitive Impairment, a condition between normal ageing and dementia. I began learning more about dementia.
Meanwhile, God was beginning to gift me with a passion for those who care for those with dementia. This led me to draw close to 2 nursing friends who were already on that journey, experienced in dementia care and another lady with a passion to support carers. So, in early 2022, after approaching James, a support group for the carers of those with dementia commenced with 2 facilitators, 1 volunteer and 4 carers.
The main structure for the group is to support those who are facing challenges as carers, in similar circumstances. The group has now grown to include about 12 carers, 3 of the Pastoral Care team (who are learning about dementia and taking their learning into their Pastoral Care role) and 2 Facilitators.
We offer a confidential space for carers to download their challenges, hear other carers’ stories, and learn more about Dementia and the Services available to them.
We give God the glory for His work in this group, and the following anonymous testimonies bear witness to the same.
“I joined this group at the suggestion of a friend after sharing with them some changes I was noticing in my partner. I had no idea what a support group was, but after my first attendance, I knew this was the help and understanding I needed. It’s been 12 months now. The group members and leaders are very encouraging and supportive of each other. The confidentiality of the group is very important as we share together personal things. I praise God for giving us leaders with experience, compassion, listening ears and arms to hug.”
“(I) so appreciate the leaders, as well as the others that come along. It is a lovely group who interact well together, and the support is just what each of us need. Outside of this group, we can check in on each other with a friendly greeting as well as a shoulder if needed.”
“It helps me understand those whom I visit in Pastoral Care.”
“Thank God for this support group. The journey with my husband with dementia, is a long one. Day by day, hour by hour. One that tests your patience and energy. Sad times with the loss of memory, and loss bit by bit, of who my husband is and was. This group has been a wonderful support group, education as well. Pam and Carol run the group. On Thursday we share and care and always go home feeling a lot better in our self. We laugh and cry. In the end all is well in Christ.”
You can pick up a flyer from the church foyer or share with others from here.
Meeting times:
1st Thursday of month
9.30 am Pier Village Café,
Esplanade, Urangan
3rd Thursday of month
9.30am Conference Room 2
Hervey Bay Baptist Church
My interest in Dementia was sparked when someone close to me was diagnosed (about 7 years ago) with Mild Cognitive Impairment, a condition between normal ageing and dementia. I began learning more about dementia.
Meanwhile, God was beginning to gift me with a passion for those who care for those with dementia. This led me to draw close to 2 nursing friends who were already on that journey, experienced in dementia care and another lady with a passion to support carers. So, in early 2022, after approaching James, a support group for the carers of those with dementia commenced with 2 facilitators, 1 volunteer and 4 carers.
The main structure for the group is to support those who are facing challenges as carers, in similar circumstances. The group has now grown to include about 12 carers, 3 of the Pastoral Care team (who are learning about dementia and taking their learning into their Pastoral Care role) and 2 Facilitators.
We offer a confidential space for carers to download their challenges, hear other carers’ stories, and learn more about Dementia and the Services available to them.
We give God the glory for His work in this group, and the following anonymous testimonies bear witness to the same.
“I joined this group at the suggestion of a friend after sharing with them some changes I was noticing in my partner. I had no idea what a support group was, but after my first attendance, I knew this was the help and understanding I needed. It’s been 12 months now. The group members and leaders are very encouraging and supportive of each other. The confidentiality of the group is very important as we share together personal things. I praise God for giving us leaders with experience, compassion, listening ears and arms to hug.”
“(I) so appreciate the leaders, as well as the others that come along. It is a lovely group who interact well together, and the support is just what each of us need. Outside of this group, we can check in on each other with a friendly greeting as well as a shoulder if needed.”
“It helps me understand those whom I visit in Pastoral Care.”
“Thank God for this support group. The journey with my husband with dementia, is a long one. Day by day, hour by hour. One that tests your patience and energy. Sad times with the loss of memory, and loss bit by bit, of who my husband is and was. This group has been a wonderful support group, education as well. Pam and Carol run the group. On Thursday we share and care and always go home feeling a lot better in our self. We laugh and cry. In the end all is well in Christ.”
You can pick up a flyer from the church foyer or share with others from here.
Meeting times:
1st Thursday of month
9.30 am Pier Village Café,
Esplanade, Urangan
3rd Thursday of month
9.30am Conference Room 2
Hervey Bay Baptist Church
Posted in Missions & Ministry