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Amda's Facebook group – always there for you
- Ari Manor
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Amda's closed Facebook group is celebrating seven years — and this is a good opportunity to remind thousands of families in Israel: You don't have to cope alone . The group was established to allow family members caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer's to ask, share, consult and receive support from those who truly understand the daily struggles. The group currently has over 11,000 family members, caregivers and professionals, and on any given day over 1,000 participants are active in it.
Who is the group for?
Amda's Facebook group is intended for spouses, children, relatives and family members caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer's. It is suitable for those who are just starting out, after a first diagnosis or suspicion of cognitive decline, as well as for those who have been caring for them for years and are dealing with more complex questions: challenging behavior, bathing, sleeping, eating, foreign workers, rights, hospitalization, nursing homes, communication within the family and more.
Why is it important to join?
When it comes to Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, there is not always someone to talk to at the exact moment a question arises, and it is not always easy to explain to others what is really happening at home.
In EMDA's Facebook group, you can find a large, active and supportive community, and most importantly - always available - seven days a week, at any time when assistance is needed.
The group receives daily posts from family members: questions, concerns, requests for information, and sharing of the struggles and challenges of caring for a person with dementia. Sometimes, just reading a post similar to what you are going through at home already gives a sense of relief: “ It’s not just us .”
Who answers in the group?
Usually, every post that appears in the group receives several replies. The replies are from experienced family members and caregivers who have experienced similar situations and can share creative, practical, and proven solutions. In addition, the group also includes professionals in the fields of medicine, welfare, law, and therapy, as well as experts from EMDA.
The group is managed by Anat Kedar , a volunteer at the EMDA Association, in collaboration with the EMDA team, while maintaining respectful rules of discourse and a safe space for sharing and consultation.
Important to know: The group does not replace medical, legal, or personal therapeutic advice. But it can be very helpful in providing initial guidance, sharing experiences, and understanding where to turn next.
What else will you find in the group?
- Along with questions from group members, content is also shared. From EMDA's Facebook page:
- Practical tips, updates from the field, invitations to lectures and webinars
- Information about support groups, rights, solutions and services for families.
- You can also upload in the group Anonymous posts — An especially important option when it comes to a sensitive question, family difficulty, or personal dilemma.
More information about EMDA's closed Facebook group can be found here.
How do you join?
Joining the group is free of charge:
- Click this join link from any browser (mobile, tablet, or computer):
- Request to join the group, and answer the membership questionnaire.
- Wait for approval from the group administrator, and join the group when it is given.
- Read previous posts, and start to integrate and get ideas and answers.
- We invite additional family members to join, as well as other families with dementia.