Here are some questions that many of our new subscribers have. If you don't find answers to your questions here, please feel free to contact us.
What happens during a typical meeting? After everyone introduces themselves, our facilitators will go over the Group Guidelines and Instructions in deep listening and breathing. Then, after a short guided meditation, everyone will have time to share their moral distress and support others. The meeting ends with affirmations.
Is there a cost? There is no cost to participate.
Will others be able to see me? Yes. If you would rather not be seen, you can join the meeting with the video function in Zoom turned off. We respect a participant's choice to remain visually anonymous.
How often do the groups meet? Group sessions are offered multiple times a week at various times. Participants are welcome to join sessions as often as they would like.
Who facilitates your support groups? Each group is hosted by an AARP volunteer specialist who is trained in facilitating the AARP ReST program.
Why are your support groups peer-facilitated?
Facilitators who share the culture and values of health care and social services work with participants make it easier for everyone to share their moral distress and trust that they will be believed and understood, rather than judged, evaluated, or questioned.
Are there hand-outs or materials I should review?
Yes. Please review the Guidelines for Participation and other information on the support group registration page. You will find material that will help you understand moral distress, moral injury, and moral resilience, as well as materials on self-care. There is also information on identifying and reporting scams and fraud.
What if I don't feel like talking?
Listening is one way to participate, so if you find yourself not feeling a need to talk, that is fine. At the beginning, you will be asked to offer your name and a bit of information about yourself and to be sure your name is visible for the session. This is required because we do not allow anonymous observers. If a facilitator asks you to share during the meeting, you are free to pass.
What if I need help beyond the meeting?
A mental health professional is on-call to the facilitators for the ReST program for anyone in distress. There are also emergency call-in numbers on the registration website if you need immediate help.
Will my participation be anonymous?
No, but it is confidential. You will be required to provide your first name to participate, but will not be required to offer your full name.
