In some communities, we made personal contacts and conducted sessions for almost two years before people began asking about and requesting the program. Patience and persistence in promotional efforts, along with a quality program, finally paid off. Choose a neutral location with adequate facilities. Hold sessions at a neutral site to encourage a diversity of participants to attend and to establish a better atmosphere for collaboration among caregivers. Meeting rooms should be private and free from distractions as participants often share personal information, as well as large enough to accommodate all group activities.
Small tables allow for flexibility in arranging the room and offer convenient writing surfaces.
Offer sessions at a variety of times. Obtaining an even mix of formal and informal caregivers is no easy task. Alternate the times and days at which programs are offered to reach more caregivers. Determine an optimal number of participants. A relatively high dropout rate and absenteeism are standard among caregivers in a multi-session program.