Mutual Support Group for Families of Patients with Dementia “Caring for the Caregiver”

Abstract

From the Dementia Unit at the Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, we consider the need to implement a therapeutic group for relatives of patients diagnosed with dementia, addressed “to the care the carer”. Ten sessions were conducted with caregivers, all women, aged between 30 and 50, in which they explained the concept of “Caregiver’s Syndrome”, the  guidelines to be considered for the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms own dementia, group dynamics were made to  favor the expression of emotions, as well as develop social skills training. Each group session ended with relaxation training and practice in  imagination with induction of self-esteem. There was a decrease in the scale of the Zarit caregiver burden, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), administered before and after the completion of the program. Group members said they had a very satisfying experience with the group through a semistructured interview were administered and in the sharing that took place in the last session.