Educational support groups for male caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Individuals with Alzheimer 's disease are often caredfor at home by informal caregivers. Males make up one-quarter of these caregivers, yet little attention has been given to them as family care providers. The results of a focus group of male caregivers are used to develop a time-limited, educational support group for males. This article reviews the current literature on male caregivers and support groups, and describes the authors' experiences as co-leaders of a support group for male caregivers. Topic areas for each of the individual sessions are outlined. At the completion of the group sessions, the male caregivers evaluated the group process andformat. They suggested that an experienced male caregiver be present to serve as a role model and that more time be given for sharing their emotional reactions to caregiving.