Get the Support You Need
Attending a caregiver group may be difficult at first. It takes time to feel comfortable sharing your problems with people you do not know. However, the experience of many family members is that once they open up, they find their problems are not so different from those of other caregiver group members. Suddenly, the people they are sharing with are not strangers at all, and by sharing with others in the same situation, they feel less alone.
If you find it difficult to talk to family or friends, you may find it easier to express yourself in a caregiver group, where you can be honest with others who are facing similar problems.
A caregiver group can also help you feel more in control of your life, by helping you understand more about the disease. Because you will have heard how others have coped or are coping with similar situations, you will know what to expect. By sharing with those people and learning from their experiences, you may find it easier to solve problems and make difficult decisions.
The following caregiver groups are sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter. These caregiver groups are free and open to the public. Registration is not required. However, it is suggested that you contact the facilitator of the group you plan to attend for the first time to confirm the time, place, and date of the meeting. For more information on caregiver groups or other programs of the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter, please call 1-800-272-3900.
Click here to find a Caregiver Group in your area. Or if you prefer, call our 24-hour Helpline: 1-800-272-3900.
