The EFEPA is proud to offer three evidence-based programs that have been shown to improve the lives of adults diagnosed with epilepsy. These programs, called HOBSCOTCH, PACES, and CDSMP give individuals the tools and strategies to gain more control over their lives to better manage and navigate epilepsy. Learn more below!
(For more information on epilepsy & mental health click HERE!)
What is HOBSCOTCH?
HOme Based Self-management & COgnitive Training CHanges lives
HOBSCOTCH is a self-management program designed to help people with epilepsy find ways to manage and cope with their memory problems in order to lead a happier, more productive life. More than half of people with seizures experience memory problems and feel that seizures interfere with memory.
Why do people with seizures have memory problems?
- Stress, anxiety & depressed mood
- Seizure & abnormal brain activity
- Physical abnormalities of the brain
- Abnormal brain chemistry
- Medication side effects
You will Learn:
- How epilepsy and seizure affect memory.
- Skills to compensate for memory problems in everyday life.
- Ways to reduce stress, improve your memory, and increase your quality of life.
You Will Receive:
- 8 virtual or telephone sessions with a HOBSCOTCH certified EFEPA Memory Coach
- HOBSCOTCH Workbook
- Memory Tool Box
- Day Planner & Seizure Diary
Taking Control: Building Skills to Improve Cognitive Challenges in Epilepsy
Interested? Contact Rena Loughlin at rloughlin@efepa.org or call 215-779-8828
Program Structure
Each session lasts about 45-60 minutes
Session 1
What is Memory? Memory & Seizures. Problem Solving. Quick Relaxation.
Session 2
Problem Solving Therapy. Keeping a Schedule.
Session 3 – 7
Problem Solving Worksheet.
Session 8
Wrap up. Maintenance Strategies.
What is PACES?
The Program of Active Consumer Engagement in Self-management in epilepsy
PACES is an eight-session epilepsy self-management program designed to increase the medical, psychosocial, and community adjustment of adults with active seizure conditions. Participants develop coping and goal-setting strategies that improve overall and discrete aspects of quality of life, epilepsy self-management and efficacy, and anxiety and depression.
PACES provides adults with active seizure conditions with the tools they need to manage their conditions effectively.
Key Features:
- Education about seizures types and available treatments, the influence of epilepsy on mood, stress, and cognition, and strategies for healthy lifestyle and active community engagement.
- Training and practice using specific strategies to cope with stress and the blues.
- Personalized goal-setting and support to help you articulate and pursue life changes that are important to you.
- Qualified facilitator teams to include a trained epilepsy mental health professional and a trained peer with epilepsy.
- A virtual group program via Zoom.
You Will Receive:
- 8 weekly virtual group sessions with 2 qualified facilitators
- PACES Workbook
Click to Download Brochure! Click to Download Flyer!
Interested? Contact Rena Loughlin at [email protected] or call 215-779-8828
Program Structure
Each group session lasts about 60-75 minutes. Each session covers a specific topic and the relevant skills and tools:
1. Epilepsy and Medical Issues
2. Dealing with Stress and The Blues (Part One)
3. Dealing with Stress and The Blues (Part Two)
4. Compensating for Cognitive Challenges
5. Getting the Most out of Community Living
6. Managing My Epilepsy Care
7. Effective Communication About My Epilepsy
8. My Health and Wellbeing
What is CDSMP?
The Chronic Disease Self-ManagementProgram (CDSMP) is a free, virtual group program for adults with at least one chronic health condition, which may include epilepsy. It focuses on disease management skills including decision making, problem-solving, and action planning. Facilitators are EFEPA staff members.
Topics Include:
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
- Falls prevention
- Healthy eating
- Better breathing techniques
- Appropriate use of medication
- Working more effectively with healthcare providers
- Communicating with friends and family
- Communicating with oneself
- Communicating with the healthcare system
- Action-planning, problem-solving, decision-making
What is the Benefit?
This interactive program aims to increase:
- Confidence
- Physical and psychological well-being
- Knowledge of ways to manage chronic conditions
- Motivation to manage challenges associated with chronic diseases.
How Does it Work?
Participants attend a 2.5-hour interactive, virtual workshop once a week for 6 weeks to learn problem-solving, decision-making, and other techniques for managing problems common to people with chronic diseases. These workshops are offered in person and virtually and run by 2 trained leaders. In a typical workshop, participants set a realistic goal for the upcoming week
and develop an action plan for meeting that goal. They report on their progress at the following workshop and ask for feedback from the group to help address any challenges.
Interested? Contact Rena Loughlin at [email protected] or call 215-779-8828