Introducing new peer-to-peer mentoring program for young people
http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/july2013/pALZ.asp
It was winter of 2011 when Carol Mayer and Leah Drew sat down over tea to talk. The two have a lot in common— both are young professionals living in Chicago — but while, to a passerby, their meeting may have looked like two friends catching up, it was, in fact, something far more serious that brought the women together.
It was winter of 2011 when Carol Mayer and Leah Drew sat down over tea to talk. The two have a lot in common— both are young professionals living in Chicago — but while, to a passerby, their meeting may have looked like two friends catching up, it was, in fact, something far more serious that brought the women together.
Not long before, Mayer’s mom, Susan, had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia. Similar in pathology to Alzheimer’s disease, the neurological syndrome impairs language capabilities and comprehension. Drew’s mother, Lynne, had been diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2005. It was Alzheimer’s Association staff that had connected Mayer and Drew so each could speak with someone who was facing a similar experience.
“Our (meeting) had a comforting, albeit very sad, aspect to me. I was able to vent and show some emotion that maybe some other people in my life wouldn’t understand,” Mayer said. “Leah was informative and supportive without being overbearing.”
Drew also appreciated the opportunity to sit down.
“To talk to someone reeling from this diagnosis — I knew exactly what she was going through,” said Drew, who had previously sought out support services but couldn’t relate to other attendees because of a pronounced difference in age. “I knew if (Mayer) was anything like me, she’d have a lot to get off her chest.”
Both women are currently members of the Greater Illinois Chapter Junior Board, which was established in 2011 to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, and to take action through fundraising events, support programs, education and advocacy initiatives. And their connection and camaraderie proved a catalyst for a new service founded by the group of individuals in their 20s and 30s.
A peer-to-peer mentoring program, pALZ provides resources for young professionals facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in a relative or loved one.
“The program has been in the works for about a year,” said Drew, adding that other board members embraced the concept from the start.
In the pALZ program, Mentors and Mentees are matched by way of a program liaison who introduces the two. The nature of each relationship is discretionary and Mentors and Mentees may communicate via phone, video chat, text message, email or in person.
In forming the program, the Junior Board recognized the importance of reviewing applications and providing training for those who wished to act as Mentors.
“The training will be an opportunity for the Mentors to engage with one another and share common experiences that will aid them in forming supportive relationships with their Mentees,” said Stephanie Herro, Senior Manager, Support Services. “pALZ Mentors will be trained in techniques similar to those of our support group facilitators, learning about the potential dynamics of a mentoring relationship and how to manage any difficult situations.”
For Drew, it’s really about creating a safe space between two people.
“My parents are both social workers so talking things out is something I really believe in,” she said.
Click here for more information on the pALZ program and how to get involved.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php