Early stage dementia group: an innovative model of support for individuals in the early stages of dementia.

Traditionally, supports and services for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have focused on the caregivers. The increase in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has resulted in greater numbers of older adults that have some insight and awareness of their deficits and are capable of dealing with the ramifications of their illness. Yet there are few places to turn for support and education. Circle of Care, a community-based home support agency in Toronto, has developed a support group for individuals with early stage dementia. Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Mental Health Services (COTA), a community-based rehabilitation agency, was invited to provide a co-facilitator for this group. To date, three groups have been held, each one having a fixed membership and meeting for eight sessions of one and a quarter hours. Topics focused on causation, coping with memory problems, loss, grief, and daily living skills. Positive themes emerged to reveal feelings of affirmation, camaraderie, and improved confidence, while feelings of helplessness and frustration were also raised. Implications for future planning and interventions also will be discussed in this paper.