Free support groups for caregivers of persons with dementia

The online support groups for family caregivers of persons with dementia hosted by the Isa Psychological Services Center at the University of Guam will continue in September. Two sessions will feature neurologist Dr. Ramel Carlos from the Neurology Clinic of Guam, who will present on the stages of dementia and the medications to help manage dementia symptoms. 

The sessions are free of charge to partners, family members, and other caregivers of persons with dementia throughout Micronesia. All support groups are client-centered and confidential. 
 
September sessions 

This month’s groups will be held at the following times: 
6pm – 8pm on Wednesday, Sept. 2 
10 a.m. – noon on Saturday, Sept. 5 
6pm – 8pm on Wednesday, Sept. 16 (featuring Dr. Ramel Carlos) 
3pm – 5pm on Saturday, Sept. 19 (featuring Dr. Ramel Carlos) 
Carlos will be available after his presentations to answer questions from the group participants.    

What to expect 

The support groups provide a safe place to share the stresses and challenges, successes and rewards of caring for a loved one with dementia with others who may be going through similar experiences. They also provide a forum for caregivers to participate in presentations led by health care professionals and other community members with expertise in caring for persons with dementia.  
The support groups are facilitated by Isa Psychological Services Center counselors Samantha Uncangco and Nikolas Gutierrez, who each hold bachelor’s degrees in psychology; Health Services of the Pacific social worker Rhoda Orallo, who holds a master’s in social work; and clinical psychologist Dr. Iain Twaddle of the Isa Psychological Services Center.  
 
Sign up to participate 

The support groups launched in August in collaboration with the UOG School of Health’s Guam/Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. They will be held year-round on the first and third Wednesdays and Saturdays of each month at 6pm on Wednesdays and 10am on Saturdays. The support groups will be conducted remotely on Zoom during the pandemic.  
To sign up for a family caregiver online support group, call or email Samantha Uncangco at (671) 735-2883 or isa@triton.uog.edu or Rhoda Orallo (671) 735-3277 or nfcspmgr@teleguam.net. (PR)