Chapter 17: Group Work: Elderly People

and Their Caregivers

Introduction to Group Work, 5th EditionEdited by David Capuzzi, Douglas R.

Gross, and Mark D. Stauffer

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Types of Groups

Can be categorized based on topics, goals, settings, member capabilities, and counselor capabilities Remotivation Reminiscing and life review Psychotherapy Reality orientation Topic- and theme-focused Groups for caregivers Brief solution-focused groups eGroups

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Remotivation Groups Designed to help stimulate involvement in life for those who have lost interest in the present and the future

Work on increasing communication and interaction with others

Help with the resocialization process Discussion focuses on nonproblematic topics such as vacations, gardening, sports, pets, transportation, hobbies, and holidays

Members must be oriented to time, place, and person

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Reminiscing and Life Review Groups

Reminiscing and life review considered synonymous

Members asked to remember experiences (including conflicts) from the past

Asked to reintegrate them into views of their lives

Leaders need to possess more advanced group facilitation skills

Members assumed to be more functional

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Psychotherapy Groups

Help members manage life stresses Help members deal with new or ongoing unresolved serious personal problems

Members typically have deep feelings of fear, loneliness, or anxiety

These feelings may be caused or exacerbated by aging

Facilitators of such groups should have gerontological training in addition to graduate counseling credentials

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Reality Orientation Groups

Designed to help regressed elderly persons suffering from dementia

Help them become more accurately oriented in time, place, and person

Help confused older persons correct misconceptions about their environment

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Topic- and Theme-Focused Groups

Topics for such groups target issues often shared by older persons.

Topics include health, retirement, loss, sexuality, career transitions, and spirituality.

Skill building in areas such as assertiveness, social skills, and communication might also be a theme.

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Groups for Caregivers

Designed for family members Can also be designed for professionals Goals

Provide support and information to improve the quality of life and environment for the entire family

Plan safe care for the older relative Obtain social support from other caregivers Learn new skills Improve conflict management skills Find ways to cope with changed roles,

responsibilities, and stresses

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Brief Solution-Focused Groups

Generally meet from one to six times Focus is always on members’ competencies rather than weaknesses

When issues about aging are discussed, focus is on possibilities instead of limitations

Time focus is the future rather than the past or present

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

eGroups

Particularly unique strategy for older persons who may be homebound

Also useful for those separated from friends, relatives, and other potential group members

Possible types of eGroups might include life review groups, career development and retirement planning groups, bereavement groups, various types of support groups, and family discussion groups

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Considerations of Diversity

Challenge is greater for counselors working with elderly people because of the scope of the multicultural considerations.

Younger counselors can learn from their older clients about the social & cultural contexts in which values and behaviors are formed. Learn the history that formed the culture of the

clients. Understand the political, religious, and economic

forces that molded their differences. Recognize their strengths and values. Listen to their stories.

Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer

Group Examples in Chapter

A life review group 4 S decision model for a brief solution-focused group

Elements discussed for each group: Leadership Group goals Membership, screening, and settings Length, frequency, and duration Group size and mobility The sessions