Duet: Partners In Health & Aging offers a unique resource for family caregivers in its “Finding Meaning and Hope” video discussion series. Based on the groundbreaking book Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope While Coping with Stress and Grief, by Pauline Boss, Ph.D., the video series will introduce participants to skills they can use to reduce stress and build resilience as they face the complexities of ongoing loss associated with caring for someone with dementia. Now, with COVID-19 precautions in mind, the video series is offered virtually, making it accessible to family caregivers from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

The free 10-week group discussion is designed for full-time, part-time, or long-distance family caregivers. Through partner organizations and trained volunteers, many video discussion series groups are available this winter.

“A family caregiver is defined as ‘someone who provides unpaid care for a loved one.’ Many family caregivers do not even realize there is a name for what they are doing because they are just doing what comes naturally to them. Whether the care is provided in town or across the country, it’s a responsibility that can take a physical, mental and emotional toll,” explains Janet Richards, caregiver services manager at Duet. “Duet is here to help family caregivers take better care of themselves so they can take better care of their loved ones. We and our community partners are so excited to bring these life changing virtual video discussion groups to family caregivers across Arizona and hopefully beyond.”

Thanks to the new virtual format, caregivers are encouraged to join the video discussion groups that best fit their schedules.

Winter 2020 Virtual Sessions:

Fridays through January 29, 2021
(No session November 27, December 25 and January 1) 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Hosted by: Yuma County
RSVP: Laura Aviles at (928) 317-4645 or email laura.aviles@yumacountyaz.gov

Wednesdays, December 2, 2020 – February 10, 2021 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Hosted by: Cochise County
RSVP: Alexandra at (520) 432-9496 or email ARivera@cochise.az.gov

Fridays, December 4, 2020 – January 29, 2021 (No session December 25 and January 1)
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Hosted by: Visiting Angels
RSVP: Kate Dolance at (623) 252-8978 or email kdolance@visitingangels.com

Spring 2021 Virtual Sessions:

Wednesdays, January 6 – March 10, 2021
10:30 a.m. - Noon
Hosted by: Cypress Homecare Solutions
RSVP: Michelle Cornelius (623) 692-0919 or email michelle@cypresshomecare.com

Thursdays, January 7 – March 11, 2021
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Hosted by: La Paz County
RSVP: Mandy Shank (928) 669-1062 ext. 106 or email mshank@townofparkeraz.us

Here is what attendees are saying about the series:

“Dr. Boss’ theory on ambiguous loss gave a name to what I confront daily,” says Kim, a family caregiver. “Although I continue to grieve and miss what used to be a wonderful partnership with my wife, I am now much more able to identify new joys in our life together. This has been life changing for me and helped me be more present and positive when I am caring for my spouse.”

”I couldn’t believe how Dr. Boss was stating the thoughts and feelings I have, and sharing ways of dealing with them to help caregivers through this journey and come out the other side,” says Sandy, a family caregiver.

“The power of the video series is that each week, through a 20-minute video, Dr. Boss gives family caregivers an understanding of their ambiguous loss journey and teaches them the techniques that are crucial to reducing their stress, reclaiming hope and improving their health and well-being,” says Ann Wheat, executive director of Duet.

To view the trailer of the “Finding Meaning and Hope” video series, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqhC1g1imuk&t=15s.

New “Finding Meaning and Hope” video discussion groups are frequently being added. To find the most updated list of groups, visit http://www.duetaz.org/family-caregiver or contact Janet Richards at richards@duetaz.org or (602) 274-5022, ext. 141.