Family members, consider attending Mapping the Journey, a four-part workshop for caregivers. The Alzheimer's Association also has support groups and education programs for caregivers.

Thank Goodness It's Friday
meets at the Alzheimer's Association Office
Fridays 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
For more information, call Lisa Buck at 817-336-4949 or email lisa.buck@alz.org

No meetings on March 29 or April 4, but we'll be back April 12!

Individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in their behavior, cognition, daily routines or relationships that can often result in isolation and boredom.  The Alzheimer's Association is happy to offer The Friday Group, a fun and comfortable way for people living in the early stages of the disease to build a social network and connect with like individuals in their own community.  Participants will engage in meaningful social activities that promote social interaction and companionship. 

The emphasis of the Friday Group is to foster opportunities for the following:
• Share conversation
• Meet new people
• Reminisce and tell stories
• Laugh and make jokes
• Follow instructions
• Learn something new
• Use fine motor skills
• Think and problem solve
• Make decisions and choices
• Focus attention on a task
• Express sense of identity and self
• Feel a sense of accomplishment

Creative activities – Art is something people can do regardless of the type or severity of their dementia.  The art sessions are set up as casual social gatherings in which people talk, joke and tell stories while they paint,glue or otherwise express themselves creatively.  Specially designed art projects may restore a means for creative self-expression to those who have lost other avenues. 

Special presentations – The Friday Group will explore topics of interest to the group.  When possible, the Friday Group will invite guest speakers with a topic or talent to share to make a presentation involving give and take conversation with the group.  Often, participants will be asked to bring or prepare something to share about themselves.  These sessions will be planned with input and suggestions from the group. 

Outings – Approximately once a month, the Friday Group will go on an outing to local museum, park or other site.  When it is not possible to go during the regularly schedule Friday time, outings will be scheduled for another day or time.  There may be an admission charge for certain outings.

Movies – on the last Friday of the month, the Alzheimer’s Association will show a full-length feature film.  Unlike watching a movie at home or in a theater, participants are invited to talk and share their thoughts during the film.

CARE PARTNERS
The Friday Group recognizes that everyone has different needs when it comes to care partners.  Some care partners prefer to drop their loved one at the Friday meeting and enjoy a couple of hours to themselves.  Others enjoy the camaraderie of the group and like to participate or even help plan activities.   Those who want to drop their loved one off must sign a waiver and leave emergency contact information.

ELIGIBILITY
The Friday Group will attempt to be as inclusive as possible in an effort to provide a positive social experience for people with early stage dementia and their care partners.  While the definition of “early stage” is left largely up to the individual participants, the cohesion and comfort of the group demands that participants function at a high enough level to participate in activities and, especially, to contribute actively to conversations.  Participants in the Friday Group must meet the following criteria:
• Have and acknowledge a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, early stage Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
• Express an interest in participating in social activities and events with other living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
• Be able to communicate and participate in give and take dialogue and express him or herself.
• May not be incontinent, wander, or exhibit inappropriate behaviors that could be disruptive.

COMMUNICATION
In an effort to save on printing and postage, the schedule of weekly activities will be posted on the Alzheimer’s Association web site.  All communication from the Alzheimer’s Association will be conducted by weekly email and it is the responsibility of the participant and his or her care partner to check email and the website regularly.  Those without computer access may make other arrangements.

ATTENDANCE
The Friday Group asks that all members try to attend all meetings.  While not every meeting will appeal to every person, the primary focus of the group is meeting up with friends and the size of the group is critical to the social dynamic.  If weekly attendance falls below ten people, the Friday Group will be cancelled.