Early Stage Memory Loss Education & Support Group
The Kentville Mental Health Centre provides an education and support group for persons in the early stages of memory loss and their families. These professionally led groups will provide information on the illness, guidance for future planning, memory and coping techniques, socialization and much needed support.
The support group will be led by trained professionals with extensive experience in working with persons and families affected by memory loss. The program will consist of eight sessions. All meetings will be held at 1:30 pm on the 2nd floor of the Miller Building at the Valley Regional Hospital and will last approximately two hours. The program will be evaluated to determine its effectiveness.
Criteria For Attendance
- A diagnosis of memory loss has been established.
- Persons must be informed of their diagnosis.
- Persons must want to come.
- Persons must be willing and able to communicate.
- Both men and women are welcome to attend.
- Age is not important (most effective for people aged 65 and over).
The Screening Process & Program Format
There will be initial interviews with the person with the memory loss problem and the family member or caregiver to discuss the history of memory loss and suitability or interest for the program.
The two hour session includes education on specific topics as requested by the group and a social component. This is not a psychotherapy group. A follow up group meets for two (2) hours on a monthly basis and attendance is optional.
Program May Include:
- Memory Aids
- Spirituality
- Legal Aspects
- Communication Skills
- Relaxation & Coping Techniques
- Meaningful Activities
- Maintaining Independence
- Community Resources
- Keeping a Sense of Humour
- Driving & Safely Issues
If you have a family member in the early stages of memory loss and wish to register for this program, please call:
Margo MacDougall's office at 678-7381, ext 2865
Kentville Mental Health Centre
150 Exhibition Street
Kentville, Nova Scotia
Canada, B4N 5E3
(902) 678 - 7381, ext 2870
Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia
5954 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada, B3H 1Y7
1-800-611-6345
