Isa Psychological Services Center
Online and Community Resources
Isa Psychological Services Center
Telehealth Geriatric Support Services for Persons with Dementia and Family Caregivers
The University of Guam’s Isa Psychological Services Center is collaborating with the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health–Guam/Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program to provide telehealth geriatric support services to persons with dementia and family caregivers. To protect our clients and their family members during the COVID-19 pandemic, all services are being conducted remotely through phone, text, and video sessions.
Living with Dementia
If you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, you may be concerned about how it will affect your life. Of course, each person experiences dementia differently. Even though you may experience difficulties with memory and activities of daily living, it is important to remember that you're still the person you always were. There will be many things you will still be able to do and enjoy, such as spending time with family and friends, going out to church and to restaurants, and walking or exercising. With time, however, you will need help with several daily activities, such as housework, cooking, and personal care.
Psychological Support Services for Persons with Dementia
Isa’s psychological support services provide individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia with a private space to talk about their experiences living with dementia. Professional counseling can help individuals with early stage dementia to learn to cope with and adapt to the many changes it brings. Counseling can also help individuals with dementia to share their worries and frustrations, make sense of their lives, and improve their overall quality of life. All services are supportive, client-centered, confidential, and free of charge.
Online Support Group for Persons with Dementia
Isa offers an online professionally led support group for persons in the early stage of dementia and their family caregivers. The group provides a safe place for individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia to share their thoughts and feelings with others who may be going through similar experiences and to receive social support. The group also provides a forum for persons with dementia to participate in presentations led by health care professionals and other community members with expertise in caring for persons with dementia. The group meets once a week:
- Friday morning dementia support groups are held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm every Friday.
Telehealth Geriatric Support Services
Support Groups for Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia
"Sharing Caregiver Stories and Finding Support"
with Dr. Ian Twaddle, licensed Clincal Psychologist, Rhoda Orallo, MSW, Nikolas Guiterrez, BA & guest speakers addressing key topics in dementia care
2021 CALENDAR |
WEDNESDAY GROUP6:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
SATURDAY GROUP10:00 am – 12:00 pm |
|---|---|---|
JANUARY |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
FEBRUARY |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
MARCH |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
APRIL |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
MAY |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker
|
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker
|
JUNE |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
JULY |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
AUGUST |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
SEPTEMBER |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
OCTOBER |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
NOVEMBER |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
DECEMBER |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
Support Group Support Group with Guest Speaker |
To attend one of our online support groups, pelase call or email Dr. Ian Twaddle or Nikolas Gutierrez at (671) 735-2883 / isa@triton.uog.edu or Rhoda Orallo at (671) 735-3277 / nfcspmgr@teleguam.net
The Challenges of Caregiving
At Isa, we understand that caring for a family member with dementia can be challenging. Caregivers take on tremendous responsibility for many hours a day to ensure the health and well-being of their loved ones. Yet, they often receive little acknowledgement or support for all that they do. Caregivers’ responsibilities at home can adversely impact their work outside the home, their relationships with family and friends, their own health and well-being, and their life satisfaction.
Psychological Support Services for Family Caregivers
Isa’s psychological support services provide caregivers with a private space to talk about their experiences and challenges caring for a family member with dementia. As counselors, we start by listening, providing an opportunity for caregivers to share their experiences and struggles. We also help caregivers to receive the support they need to effectively manage stress and achieve balance in their lives. Most importantly, we focus on helping caregivers to rediscover their own identities and to restore and renew themselves. All services are supportive, client-centered, confidential, and free of charge.
Online Support Groups for Family Caregivers
Isa offers online professionally led support groups for partners, families, and other caregivers of persons with dementia. The groups provide a safe place to share the stresses, challenges, and rewards of caring for a loved one with other family caregivers who may be going through similar experiences. The groups also provide a forum for family caregivers to participate in presentations led by health care professionals and other community members with expertise in caring for persons with dementia. Two groups are available:
- Wednesday evening caregiver groups are held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
- Saturday morning caregiver groups are held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on the first and third Saturday of each month.
Please contact Annie Fay Camacho, Nikolas Gutierrez, or Dr. Iain Twaddle at Isa Psychological Services Center’s Telehealth Geriatric Support Services (TGSS) by phone or email to schedule an appointment, to register for one of our support groups, or to learn more about our services.
- Phone: (671) 735-2883/90
- Email: isa.tgss@triton.uog.edu
- Website: www.uog.edu/isa/tgss
- Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Building, Room 202/103
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Twaddle K.B. Iain
Office Hours: 
Office Location: Expertise
Nikolas Gutierrez, B.A.
Extension Associate I
Office Location: HSS Building, Room 103
