The Center for Brain/Mind Medicine
Caregiver Support & Skills Programs
No one is born knowing how to be a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia (ADRD). Educating yourself on ADRDs, learning skills to cope with changes, and connecting with dementia professionals and other caregivers can give you the tools to feel supported along this journey.
CBMM Support Services
At the Center for Brain/Mind Medicine, we value the participation of our patients’ caregivers. Through our clinic, we offer supportive and skill-based services as part of our patients’ care plans. These services include one-on-one and family clinical social worker visits and a Dementia Caregiver Skills and Wellness program.
CBMM Weekly Dementia Caregiver Skills & Wellness Program
CBMM offers weekly groups where caregivers can learn about dementia and what to expect, communication and behavioral strategies, and considerations for wellness. Each group meets for six weeks, and each session is one hour long. Groups are open to people who are new to dementia as well as those looking for a refresher. Our goals are to increase caregiver confidence with tools and understanding and to provide a sense of belonging to a greater community. Groups are limited to 12 people. Registration is required and health insurance is billed.
For more on the RENEW Dementia Caregiver skills and Wellness program click here
To sign up, ask your person’s provider for a referral or email brainhealthgroups@bwh.harvard.edu
CBMM Monthly Support Sessions
This group is currently in the planning stages and will be for caregivers of CBMM patients with cognitive changes. Caregivers will share struggles, successes, and resources as they learn from facilitators and from each another along the dementia journey. Groups will be limited to 12 people. Sessions will be one hour long. Registration will be required and health insurance will be billed.
Caregiver Resources Beyond CBMM
There is a wide range of programs for caregivers to participate in at the local and national level.
Support, Information & Referral
Click the button below to find out how to link with community support groups, dementia counseling/coaching, respite programming, and other resources.
Skills-Based Programs
Learning about dementia and what to expect as the condition progresses is important for caregivers as they cope with the day-to-day struggles of cognitive change. Learning skills in advance or in real time can help caregivers feel more capable and reduce risk of burnout. Click the button below to learn about live/facilitated and self-paced options outside of CBMM.
Wellness Programs
Being conscientious about your own wellbeing is extremely important for dementia caregivers, given the impact of full-time caregiving on physical, mental, and emotional health. Click below to find programs that address various aspects of caregiver wellness.
Multi-Media Learning
There are a lot of great ways to learn and connect with others online. Here are some alternative options—suggestions for books, podcasts, and movies that deal with dementia.