Support groupmconfidentiality

Memphisdee

I was surprised when I checked out a local Alz/dementia group!  One of the members of the group told my friend that I was at the support group. I didn’t mind my friend knowing but I thought support groups are supposed to be confidential. They didn’t mention that at the meeting. I just always assume support group are confidential.  How would you handle this?

Quilting brings calm

If you have a means of contacting the group facilitator prior to the next meeting, otherwise do it at the next meeting. 

Specifically ask about confidentiality.   Then approach the person who told your friend and explain that you prefer that she not mention your situation to people not at the meeting.  In return, you will extend the same courtesy to her. 

It’s possible she meant no harm, and assumed your mutual friend knew that you were attending the meetings. 

Memphisdee

Thanks so much!

JJ401

I know that AA, AlAnon, and like groups stress confidentiality, and even then I think of it more with not repeating what is said there. I never thought of it with caregiving groups. And with a caregiving group, I’d be more likely to repeat good information than to discuss the participants.

I can understand why the person didn’t assume confidentiality of attendance, and spoke of your presence to a mutual friend. I might have done the same.

Just speak to the person and ask that they not mention your presence at the meetings. That should take care of it. 

Jeff86

Memphisdee, I think confidentiality is a reasonable expectation with regard to participation and discussion in a caregiver support group.  It’s meant to be a safe place where feelings and thoughts, as well as information, are shared.  Participants need to trust that the group will respect their privacy.

I would contact the meeting facilitator, as QBC suggests, to express your concern.  The facilitator can reiterate the ground rules for the group at the next meeting.

harshedbuzz

The facilitator of the support group I attended began any meeting that included a new person with an explanation of the confidentiality expected of those attending.

eaglemom

I lead a caregivers support group. It is always stressed that it is a safe place to say what you want because it stays in the group - confidentiality is stressed. For the most part I assume that is being done. 

In this instance it seems to be a comment, with no ill intent intended. An off hand comment. At the next meeting you can ask about confidentiality. Maybe others might be wondering also. Just casually ask the question, no names given.

eagle

Pathfinder52

Support groups run by/endorsed by Alzheimer's Association have printed group "norms" and generally review those rule at the start of each meeting -- this would include confidentiality and things like not interrupting, talking over others, taking photos, etc.

Talk with the facilitator.

Without such a verbal review, new attendees likely don't think about their responsibilities to others -- it should be a standard practice.

--p

Memphisdee

I did that exactly and she said she will for sure always read the confidentiality guidelines.  I didn’t mention anynnames