Future groups should develop a protocol that follows up with those who drop out to learn
from them and refer them to alternative services if needed. There is also a need to develop an
easily accessible document of a network of support services available on Island (respite, daycare,
hospice, VNA) as well as off Island (memory clinics, neuropsychologists, neurologists) for these
of times isolated caregivers. Those who missed sessions were able to get the materials at the next
session they attended. Several members “buddied” to get materials for each other and fill them
in on the group. The most profound learning was that many times the simplest suggestions are
very powerful and bring about positive change in both how the caregiver experiences caregiving
and how the person they care for responds. One such suggestion was to never offer the AD
patient a plate of food that required more than one way to eat it (fingers, fork, spoon) so that they
would not become confused and frustrated. As second suggestion was not to argue and always