One participant who was asked what he liked best about the Early Stage Support Group summed up the benefits of this group.  He stated, "Everyone knows what it feels like when you come to the end of a sentence and can't remember what it was you wanted to say.  The group keeps me from feeling like running to the corner to hide."

All potential participants of the Early Stage Support Group go through a screening process with the local facilitators and eligibility is determined by the local facilitators. Individuals participating in the Early Stage Support Group should have the following list of characteristics.

• Participants have diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or related dementia documented by physician.
• Participants were told of the diagnosis by doctor or family.
• Participants at least occasionally acknowledge memory loss or confusion.  
• Ability to express himself/herself and understanding of others, even if there is some degree of difficulty with speech or word-finding
• Participants are able and willing to discuss feelings and experiences related to illness.
• Participants understand the purpose of support group, are interested and freely give consent to participate.
• Participants have a caregiver or someone willing to serve as a contact person for group facilitator.
  

New Support Group in Bedford

When:  First and third Tuesdays of the month
      9:30am - 11:30am
      March - June, 2012
 
  Location:  Martin United Methodist Church
    2621 Bedford Road
    Bedford, Texas 76021

Facilitator: Rachelle Bennett
For further information, please contact Gail Phills at 817-336-4949



For more information, please contact:

• Carolyn Berry or Howard Gruetzner in Waco at 254.753.7722
  
• Mindy Bannister or Libby Connally in Abilene at 325.672.2907
  
• Gail Phills in Fort Worth at 817.336.4949
  
  
• or you may call 800.272.3900 to be directed to your local office.

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