New Models of Care

The Social Club Model

Presented by Mary Bolger, Services Manager (Kildare/West Wicklow) Alzheimer Society of Ireland
1

Presentation outline

Examine the origin of the social clubs Outline the study design and procedure Present the literature supporting the social clubs Present the core elements of what makes the model unique Reflect staff and members experience Discuss future developments and implications for policy and practice
2

Social Clubs Origin

Identification of unmet need

No

service for both PWD and spouse/carer Carers socially isolated

The Social Club

Meeting

once a week Outing every second week Informal and loose structure

Study Design and Procedure

Small scale mixed quantitative and qualitative Postal survey to members and staff Feedback of themes to one club Interviews with key stakeholders Analysed for themes

Supporting Literature

Dementia and effect on caregiver

Increased

rate of stress/depression More socially isolated Requires continuous adaptation to change Loss of confidant

Social Support and Caring

stress

buffering qualities More significant in the elderly

Supporting Literature

Alzheimer Caf Model

Underlying

dementia Meeting places for PWD and their families, carers Social and educational

vision of living with

Couple Identity and Couplehood

Couple Identity

Couple Identity

Couple Identity and Couplehood

Couple Identity
being

part of a couple as being part of ones identity (Beeson, 2003) Losing this identity is a real threat to carer and to person with dementia Celebrating personhood may require the celebration of couplehood Doing things together couple receives recognition; carer receives support

Unique Elements of Social Clubs

Embrace couplehood Informal structure Worry-free socialising Outings Members as opposed to ServiceUsers Sense of belonging

10

Reflections members of the club

it makes you realise youre not on your own as a couple it allows us to meet others with similar interests outings with security of knowing support and help is at hand
11

Reflections facilitators of the club

Forget the formal stuff. People are lonely and they want to talk to others in the same boat The person with dementia..have a contribution to make from a social point of view.very important for self-esteem great friendships have been born and we as a group have shared some very happy and emotional days together

12

Future Developments

Expansion of social club model to other regions Without losing uniqueness of each group to function as their members desire Multiple benefits, value for money Investing in staff and resources

13

Implications for Practice

Some Questions

Should service models continue to separate the couple? Which is more beneficial for spouse a break away from PWD or a break with them, with no responsibility for care needs? By having spouse involved do we share the duty of care? Are the club and traditional service models mutually exclusive or mutually beneficial?

14

Implications for Policy

Traditional approach needs to be critically analysed Policy shift from providing services onto to in conjunction with Maintaining couple as central to all discussions regarding care Re-examine models and further research into emerging models
15

Monday Club, Bray Monday Club, Athy Grainne Jenny

Friday Club, Rathfarnham

Maurice Helena

Patricia

Margaret

Jean

Adrienne

Frankie Muriel Leslie Mary

Sr Peig

16