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Ambiguous Loss Support Groups

Working through loss and grief together.

Recognizing and working through feelings of loss
while caregiving.

Grief has been identified as the “constant yet hidden companion” of dementia. The Ambiguous Loss Support Group helps care partners work through the feelings of loss and grief that are experienced when someone close to you is living with dementia.

How this group can benefit you

Ambiguous loss refers to the loss you feel – and accompanying stress and grief – when someone living with dementia is still physically here, but not present in the same way as before.

This group offers a supportive and confidential environment where you can:

  • Find mutual support with other care partners going through similar situations
  • Build coping strategies that will support you in your role as a care partner and help you plan for the future
  • Engage in conversations and share your experiences around loss and grief, and other complex feelings that may come up for you as a care partner
  • Gain knowledge about the progression of dementia and the changes that come with a care partner role

Listen to this short audio clip for more on ambiguous loss and dementia from Dr. Pauline Boss, who coined the term.

When do these groups meet?

The Ambiguous Loss Support Group is offered on the following dates:

Adult Children
Thursday evenings, Oct. 2 – Nov. 20
7 – 8:30 pm
Location: Virtual via ZOOM

Spousal
Thursday evenings, Oct. 2 – Nov. 20
6:30 – 8 pm
Location: Virtual via ZOOM

Note: A minimum number of registrants is required for this group to run as scheduled

Best-fit factors

  1. Experience attending a regular care partner support group (highly recommended, but not required) where conversations around managing day-to-day practical supports and group problem-solving how to navigate transitions in care
  2. A general understanding of the community resources that are available (ex. Home Care, geriatric assessment teams, long-term care, the paneling process, etc. – as community resources will not be the focus of discussion)
  3. Willingness and comfort to engage in group discussion, including sharing personal experiences around feelings of grief and loss.
  4. Willingness to share the allotted discussion time with other attendees, so all participants have the opportunity to share their emotions, thoughts and feelings related to agenda topic(s).
  5. Familiarity with the handout ‘Ambiguous Loss and Grief in Dementia: A Resource for Individuals and Families.’

Please note, participants may be at any phase in the dementia journey.

To register:

Care partners are encouraged to contact their Client Support/Regional Coordinator to engage in further discussion about registration.

For general questions and inquiries, including additional information, please contact us at:
Phone: 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg) / 1-800-378-6699 (in Manitoba)
Email: alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca

Please include your name and the date/time of the group you are registering for.

All of our support groups are inclusive environments for people of different ethnicities, cultures or those who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.