1
New Models of Care
The Social Club Model
Presented by Mary Bolger, Services Manager (Kildare/West Wicklow)
Alzheimer Society of Ireland
2
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
3
Social Club’s 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
4
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
5
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
6
Supporting Literature
Alzheimer Café Model Underlying vision of ‘living with
dementia’ Meeting places for PWD and their
families, carers Social and educational
Couple Identity and Couplehood
7
Couple Identity
8
Couple Identity
9
Couple Identity and Couplehood
Couple Identity “being part of a couple as being part of
one’s 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
10
Unique Elements of Social Clubs
Embrace couplehood Informal structure ‘Worry-free socialising’ Outings ‘Members’ as opposed to ‘Service-
Users’ Sense of belonging
11
Reflections – members of the club
“it makes you realise you’re 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”
12
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”
13
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
14
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?
15
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
16
Frankie
Muriel
AdrienneJean
Maurice
Margaret
Jenny
Monday Club, Bray Friday Club, Rathfarnham
Monday Club, Athy
Mary
Patricia
Leslie
Sr Peig
Grainne
Helena
Top Related