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Get the emotional support you need
A support group is a gathering of caregivers, family, friends and/or persons with dementia to discuss issues surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The purpose of the support group is to provide an opportunity to meet regularly for mutual support and to exchange coping skills with one another. The reasons people attend support groups vary. People may come to a group to gain a better understanding of the disease, because they are in crisis, or because they have specific caregiving struggles. They may be looking for advice a particular subject or just want to be with people who are having similar experiences. The group provides the opportunity for participants to help maintain their own health and well-being, and enhance their ability to care for the person with dementia.
One caregiver, who is caring for her father, says a support group “provides information about Alzheimer’s disease and helps you realize that you are not alone - just being with others who understand the caregiver’s situation helps. I find it hard to discuss my concerns with those who don’t have experience with Alzheimer’s as it sounds like I’m complaining- other caregivers understand.” A support group can give you moral support and encouragement during a difficult time.
Tips for Caregivers
- The person who best understands a caregiver is someone who has been one. Find someone and talk.
- Become an educated caregiver- learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s disease, the stages and caregiving skills.
- what resources are available and make use of them; in home care, respite care, adult day care and meals-on-wheels are some community services which can help you.
- Don’t smother the person for whom you are caring. Sometimes doing the right thing means doing less.
- Don’t be a martyr. You don’t have to do it alone. Ask for help.
- Take care of yourself-watch your diet, exercise, and get plenty of rest.
- Give yourself credit-if you are feeling unappreciated and overworked, try to set some time aside to treat yourself as the special person that your are.
We have many support groups, at various times and locations. Check to see if there is a group close to you that fits your needs
If you prefer, call our 24-hour Helpline — 1.800.272.3900.
If you have Alzheimer's
Younger-Onset Group
We now offer a support group for individuals who were diagnosed with a dementia disease under the age of 65. Support Groups are offered at the same time for their caregivers, teenage children, and younger children. For information on this group, contact the office at 967-2580.
Connect with others online
The Alzheimer’s Association message boards and chat rooms provide a virtual online community for persons with Alzheimer's, caregivers and care providers. Our message boards have thousands of registered members from around the United States and thousands more who refer to the stories and information that is available 24 hours a day.
Join the Alzheimer’s Association online community.
Support Groups
Support Groups shown below or click here to print a copy.
Richmond Area
Adult Children, 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 pm
Bon Air Methodist Church, 1645 Buford Rd., Room 207
Lynda Gormus, 320-0619 & Al Larson, 320-3890
Early Stage, 4th Thursday, 1:30 pm
For Caregivers and for Persons with Dementia
Call the Chapter Office for information, 967-2580.
East End, 4th Saturday, 12:00 pm
First Union Baptist Church, 3510 Dill Road
Jacki Page, 321-2573
Mechanicsville, 2nd Wednesday, 9:30 am
Hanover Adult Day Center, 7231 Stonewall Parkway
Vivian Bagby, 321-1649 & Barbara Allen, 782-1942
Far West End, 3rd Tuesday, 10:00 am
Lakewood Manor, 1900 Lauderdale Dr.
Mary Ann Johnson, 967-2582 & Frank Schwall, 521-9154
Far West End, 1st Monday, 10:00 am
Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 11220 Nuckols Road
Jessica Samet, 967-2580 & Linnea Beason, 869-2255
Southside, 3rd Tuesday, 2:00 pm
Bon Air Methodist Church, 1645 Buford Rd., Room 202
Al Larson, 320-3890 & Nancy Lentz, 967-2586
Midlothian, 2nd Wednesday, 10:00 am
New Life United Methodist Church, 900 Old Hundred Rd.
Bob Schaefer, 310-7991 & Leigh Hilldrup, 839-0236
Midlothian, 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 pm
Brandermill Woods, 14311 Brandermill Woods Trail
Merle Kahn, 967-2575
Chesterfield, 3rd Thursday, 7:00 pm
Lucy Corr Village, 6800 Lucy Corr Ct., Classroom
Blanche Castelow, 748-5585 & Edith Byrnes
Ashland, 1st Tuesday, 7:00 pm
First Baptist Church, 800 Thompson Street
Bob Junod, 752-2219
Goochland, 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 pm
Dover Baptist Church, 635 Manakin Rd., Manakin-Sabot
Suzanne Mills, 784-2025
Tri-Cities Area
Hopewell, 1st Tuesday, 3:00 pm
River View on the Appomattox Nursing Home
201 Eppes Street, Conference Room
Blanche Castelow, 748-5585 & June Gilliam, 748-6668
Dinwiddie, 2nd Wednesday, 5:00 pm
Care Advantage, 2501 Cox Road, Petersburg
Felicia Epps, 804-526-2359
Petersburg, 3rd Thursday, 11:30 am
Greenfield Reflections of Petersburg
550 Flank Rd., Conference Room
Lunch and respite provided.
Felicia Epps, 526-2359 & Teresa Brewer, 467-5155
Colonial Heights, Last Tuesday, 5:30 pm
Alzheimer's Association Branch Office
201 Temple Ave., #E
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Felicia Epps, 526-2359 & Christina Dhir, 288-0122
Fredericksburg Area
Bowling Green, 2nd Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 pm
Bowling Green United Methodist Church
112 Main Street, Bowling Green, VA 22427
Jimy Edwards, 804-512-1628
Early Stage, 2nd Monday, 6:30-8:00 pm
For Caregivers and for Persons with Dementia
Call the Chapter Office for Information, 540-370-0835.
Fredericksburg, 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 pm
Carriage Hill Health & Rehabilitation Center
6106 Health Center Lane
Judy Scheibe, 540-898-1378
Fredericksburg, 3rd Tuesday, 1:30 pm
Homecare America, 2017 Plank Rd., (Westwood Shopping Ctr.)
Lori Myers, 540-370-0835
Middle Peninsula/Northern Neck Area
Kilmarnock, 4th Thursday, 10:30 am
Commonwealth Assisted Living, 460 S. Main St.
Respite care available with reservation.
Maryanne Lee, 804-435-9896
Urbanna, 4th Thursday, 1:30 pm
Port Town Village Apts., 111 Port Town Lane
No respite available.
Barbara Swain, 804-758-2386
Gloucester, 2nd Wednesday, 10:30 am
Gloucester House, 7657 Meredith Drive
Respite care available with reservation.
Ted Leonard, 804-642-9189
Gloucester, 3rd Thursday, 6:00 pm
DeHardit House, 7335 Lewis Avenue, Gloucester
No respite available
Ellie Galloway, 804-695-9382
Warsaw, 2nd Tuesday, 10:30 am
The Orchard, 2 Delfae Dr., Warsaw, VA 22572
Respite available with reservation.
Jill White, 804-313-2400 & Carolyn Costello
Mathews, 3rd Tuesday, 10:00 am
Central United Methodist Church, 121 Church St.
No respite available
Rev. Suzanne Gibson, 804-725-2832
