Support Groups & What We Can Learn from a Flock of Geese.
Support groups are a vital part of caregiving, they offer caregivers a chance to teach from experience and learn from others in the same setting. Support groups are a great place for caregivers who feel alone and isolated, while each caregiver's experiences are different there are often common threads that connect everyone in the group. We found the piece below and immediately felt the need to share it with our audience.
From the Self-Help Network at Wichita State University
"It sounds crazy, but support groups can learn a lot from flocks of geese. When you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in “V” formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in the “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who share common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those people headed in the same direction we are. This is what a support group is all about. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other. Looking after each other, sharing the leadership, and moving together towards a common goal are key aspects of any support group."
If you are interested in attending a support group, call the Alzheimer's Alliance at 903.223.8021 or view our support group schedule here.
