Get the emotional support you need If you have Alzheimer's (new Early-Stage Support group starting August 2008) Telephone Support Group (new group starting August 2008) Caregiver Social Group Connect with others online Support Groups by county

Get the Emotional Support You Need

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.  Judy Budlong is our support group coordinator.  Please contact her if you need more information regarding support groups.

Support groups by county

Support group listing (PDF version)

If you prefer, call our 24-hour Helpline — 1.800.272.3900.

If You Have Alzheimer's

The North Central Texas Chapter is pleased to offer a support group for persons in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The group is designed to provide an opportunity for persons with mild memory loss to meet with others who are experiencing similar difficulties.   The next session of the Early Stage Support Group is scheduled to start in August 2008.  Contact Gail Phills for more information.

The topic of memory loss and references to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia will naturally be a part of the group experience. Therefore, the Association is seeking participants who acknowledge their illness and difficulties with memory, and who are willing and able to share their feelings and experiences.

The Fort Worth area Early Stage Support Group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month for a period of five months. The group meets at First United Methodist Church, in the Justin Youth Center (located just south of the main church building) at 800 W. 5^th Street, in Fort Worth, Texas.

All interested individuals and families will be asked to visit with group facilitators prior to the first meeting, in order to assure that the Early Stage Support Group is appropriate for their situation. Anyone interested in participating in the session should contact the Alzheimer's Association and ask that they be placed on the interest list – a facilitator will then contact interested parties.

Following is a list of criteria we ask that all participants in the Early Stage Support Group meet. Please use this list to evaluate whether your loved one with dementia would be an appropriate candidate.

• 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.
• Participants display mild cognitive impairment upon testing and interviewing.
• Participants have relatively intact communication skills: despite difficulties with word-finding or speech. Participants are able to express themselves and can comprehend others.
• Participants are able and willing to discuss feelings and experiences related to illness.
• Participants are appropriate in and enjoy social situations.
• Participants do not have behavior problems difficult to manage in a group setting: i.e. combativeness, severe agitation, wandering or incontinence.
• Participants do not have concurrent medical or psychiatric condition that may put them or other group members at risk, including severe psychosis.
• 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.

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Telephone Support Group

The Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter is now offering a telephone support group for individuals providing care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The telephone support group is designed to provide the caregiver opportunities for sharing, education, and support through a telephone conference. Telephone support group participants and a telephone support group facilitator connect with each other for one-hour sessions twice per month.  Read the informational flyer here.

Each telephone support group  lasts for 5 months, and there will be a total of ten telephone support group sessions. Space is limited. Our next session is scheduled to begin August, 2008.  Download the schedule here. 

For further information, including the start date of the next group, please contact Judy Budlong in our Arlington office at 817.460.7001 (or 1.800.272.3900).

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Caregiver Social Group

If you are the caregiver of an Alzheimer’s patient, you are invited to be a part of a special social/activity group. This group offers an opportunity for friendship from those who understand your situation, as well as an opportunity for outings you might be hesitant to take on your own.
   
Our caregiver social group meets on the second Wednesday of each month for lunch at a variety of locations throughout the area. For more information, please contact Frances Cooper at 817.379.5416, e-mail us or call the Fort Worth Office at 817.336.4949.

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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.

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Support Groups Listed by County

Printable support group list

Support group listing (PDF version)

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