Importance of Support Groups

Many people question if they should attend a support group. There are many valid reasons why caregivers find support groups to be helpful in managing their day to day life with someone with Alzheimer’s disease or one of the related dementias.

So let’s take a look at the advantages of participating in a monthly Alzheimer’s (AD) support group:

They provide educational information about dementia in general and AD specifically.
Caregivers have an opportunity to offer and receive support from others in the group.
The social interaction is important, as many caregivers feel very isolated in their own situation.
The facilitator will be skilled in leading support groups and knowledgeable about the types of dementia being discussed.
What we do…ask questions and share frustrations/ hurt/sadness/joys.
If you are not comfortable sharing your personal situation, you are more than welcome to “listen and learn.” Many people find it difficult to share what is happening in their lives…. that’s perfectly OK.
Through the discussions you will learn new coping skills that will simplify your daily routines and hopefully reduce your stress levels.
Improving communications and understanding behaviors are a major part of the discussions each month.
You as a caregiver will be encouraged to also take care of yourself so you don’t burn-out in caring for your loved one.

Not everyone is comfortable in attending a support group. If a monthly face-to-face group is not for you, there are numerous telephone and internet support groups available. Just make sure you have found a reputable facilitator or organization that will be of help to you and not a burden.

I am currently facilitating 7 support groups in the greater Providence area and one in Massachusetts. Through my work as Director of Education with an Alzheimer’s Association in New York State and my role as Senior Director for numerous memory-care assisted living communities for Benchmark Senior Living, facilitating support groups is a natural pathway for me to be able to assist families. It is so rewarding to know that family caregivers are leaving our monthly support group meetings with new knowledge and new skills to assist their loved ones – whether their loved one is at home or in a memory-care community.

I’ve listed below the specific support groups that I am currently facilitating. If you are considering joining a support group, please take a look at the schedule to see what group might be near you (if you are in RI or MA). I am also available for phone or e-mail consultations for those of you who live out of the area.

If you give a support group a try, you will definitely benefit from it.

First Tuesday Brookdale East Bay – East Providence 6:30 – 8:00

1440 Wampanoag Trail

FTD ~ Open Group Frontotemporal Dementia

Second Tuesday Briarcliffe Gardens – Johnston 4:30 – 6:00 pm

49 Old Pocasset Road

Alzheimer’s Specific ~ Closed Group

Second Wednesday Wingate on Blackstone Blvd. – Providence 6:00 – 7:30 pm

353 Blackstone Boulevard