Thrive & Care: Therapeutic and Social Interventions for Caregivers

Start thriving with free therapy!

We are excited to announce the development of a formal therapy program specifically designed for caregivers of individuals living with dementia. Our primary goal is to enhance caregivers' mental well-being and resilience, both in their caregiving roles and in their broader lives.

This program aims to reduce caregiver stress and foster meaningful connections by providing valuable skills and support networks. Participants will gain tools to better cope with challenges, plan for the future, and access resources and education to ensure prolonged, happier, and healthier caregiving. This initiative is about empowering caregivers to thrive in their vital roles.

Program Components

The ASPEI caregiver therapy program has four components: individual therapy, group therapy, skills-based education, and social activities. Participation in all four is not required, however we encourage joining as many as possible to support personal growth and positive change.

Individual Therapy

While our First Link program provides supportive counselling, offering immediate emotional support and practical help, our counselling therapy program focuses on deeper issues for lasting change. Using the evidence-based approach of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the therapist will work alongside the client to address past traumas, change behaviours, and improve overall mental health.

ACT helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fight them. It focuses on living a meaningful life by setting goals and taking actions that align with personal values, even in the face of difficult emotions. ACT teaches mindfulness and encourages individuals to be present, engage in valued activities, and commit to change.

Clients will participate in 6 to 8 sessions, each lasting 30-50 minutes and scheduled every 2 to 3 weeks, with additional sessions available if needed. Sessions can be conducted in-person or virtually, and other arrangements can be discussed if required.

Assessments will be administered before the client’s initial session, after their 6th therapy session or at the 6 month mark (whichever is sooner), and one year after the start of therapy. More information about assessments can be found below.

Group Therapy

Group therapy will be available in-person and virtually based on demand. The structured program, based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, will run biweekly for 20 weeks, with 10 sessions total. It aims to build a sense of community, allowing participants to check in, learn about relevant topics, develop skills, engage in discussions, and work on practical steps outside of sessions to improve coping skills and resilience.

Skills-based Education

Participants will learn about dementia, its progression, future planning, daily care including hands-on skills, changing relationships, and how to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms. Building these skills will help caregivers feel more confident, reduce stress, and gain a greater sense of control.

Social Activities

Island-wide social activities will continue to be offered, focusing on building a supportive network and connecting with others who share similar experiences. These activities are important for reducing feelings of isolation, fostering friendships, and creating a strong sense of community.

How will progress be tracked?

Assessments will be administered before the client’s first therapy, group therapy, or education session, depending on what they choose to participate in. They will be re-administered after the 6th therapy session or after 6 months in the program (whichever comes first), the 10th group therapy session, or after completing the education. A final assessment will be done one year after starting the program.

These results will help ASPEI understand and share the benefits of counselling therapy and the changes caregivers are experiencing. This may include reports for our funders and our annual report, applying for more funding, and developing future ASPEI programs. All participants will remain anonymous, and everything discussed in sessions will stay confidential.

How can a Counselling Therapist support me?

Licensed Counselling Therapists support caregivers of people with dementia by offering a safe space to express and validate their feelings. They help caregivers manage the daily challenges of caregiving, such as grief, communication, and problem-solving, and can help teach caregivers about dementia to improve their understanding and skills. Therapists also guide caregivers in setting healthy boundaries and self-care routines, helping them stay well and adapt to the ongoing challenges of caregiving.

Therapy sessions will be facilitated by our in-house therapist, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and a Counselling Therapist (CT) with the College of Counselling Therapists of PEI (CCTPEI) who has experience working with a variety of clients within a private practice setting, using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and ACT.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

To be eligible for the program, you must:

Be a First Link client
Be 18 years of age or older
Be a family member or friend caring for a person living with dementia
Reside in Prince Edward Island
Complete our four-question screener (administered by ASPEI staff) and meet the required criteria
Agree to the required assessment processes

How do I sign up?

To sign up for our waitlist, please speak with your Support Services Coordinator or contact us at society@alzpei.ca or (902) 628-2257. The Thrive & Care program will be launching on October 15th, 2024.