Running self-help groups in sheltered and extra care accommodation for people who live with dementia

Written by Cindy Glover and produced by the Mental Health Foundation, Running self-help groups in sheltered and extra care accommodation for people who live with dementia provides an overview of how to set up, facilitate and manage self-help peer support groups for people with early to moderate stage dementia.  The guide is the result of a two-year project that wanted to determine whether self-help groups could improve mental health, independent living skills and delay a move to a long-term care facility for those with dementia.  Overall, the project determined that peer support groups had a positive impact on mental health, wellbeing and practical coping strategies.  Participants also improved their communication skills and management of their memory.

This resource guide is aimed at staff who have some knowledge of running peer support groups and activities and wish to run self-help groups for people with early to moderate stage dementia.  It includes background information on setting up a group, recruiting participants, how to encourage support amongst group members, handling challenges and over 50 ideas for possible activities.

To download a copy of this resource guide, please visit http://bit.ly/1s6O5RR.