ABSTRACT
This chapter considers a variety of aspects and characteristics of groups, and their uses for older people with dementia and their careers. A primary group is one in which numbers are small enough to allow face-to-face contact, the group continues over a certain length of time allowing relationships to develop, and these relationships generate mutual identification and influence. Groups for people with dementia are generally undertaken in day care and residential settings and in statutory, profit making and non profit making agencies. Social workers are involved in working with groups on a number of different levels. Social groupwork for people with dementia and their carers is a practical activity aimed at enabling and enhancing skills, functioning and feelings of positive self-worth. The emergence of a shared wish is often observed in group situations. In terms of group focal conflict theory, this is known as the disturbing motive.
