Benefits of a Support Group: *Provides a safe, supportive environment for discussion *Educates and inform participants *Helps participants develop methods and skills to solve problems *Encourages participants to maintain personal, physical and emotional health *Allows for personal growth and development
The Alzheimer's Association offers the following groups for people with dementia: Early Stage Support Group: A six-session program especially designed to meet the needs for support and education for both the person in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia and their care partners.
Support Groups For Persons With Dementia: Traditional support groups and life discussion groups offering an opportunity for persons with dementia to talk and share their experience.
Telephone & Online Support Options: Careline: A telephone support link between dedicated volunteers and persons who need a good listener and who may not be able to get to a support group meeting or may need additional support.
Email Connections: A program designed to reduce the isolation and loneliness often experienced by those with Early-Onset and to address the unique needs of families and individuals by linking them with other individuals and families nationwide via e-mail.
24/7 Online Support Community: The national Alzheimer's Association provides anonymous online chat rooms and message boards for people with Alzheimer's, care partners and professional caregivers. There is no sign up required or personal data captured. To take part in this online community, go to www.alz.org/messageboard
Supportive Activities Memories in the Making: Memories in the Making (MIM) is a program of the Alzheimer's Association that offers art as a means to enhance communication, increase self-esteem and to provide sensory stimulation for participants with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia.
"Voices": Is a group that meets quarterly to discuss issues pertinent to people with dementia and to bring awareness of these issues to the general public and to our political officials.
Educational Seminar: "Understanding Alzheimer's Disease": This 1½ hour program is designed for individual's that have been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and their families. An overview of Alzheimer's disease will be presented along with discussions regarding diagnosis and treatments. Tips for helpful communication techniques will be described. Participants will have several refreshment breaks throughout the program and opportunities to have questions answered. Offered quarterly as a supplement to the Early Stage Support Group.
Other Supports Counseling: Provides therapeutic sessions for individuals and/or family groups to facilitate resolutions of issues associated with dementia and caregiving.
MedicAlert®+Safe Return®: Alzheimer's Association MedicAlert®+Safe Return® is a nationwide identification, support and enrollment program working at a community level offering 24-hour emergency response service for wandering and medical emergencies whether a person becomes lost locally or far from home. Assistance is available 24 hours, everyday, whenever a person is lost or found.
Memory Boxes: The Alzheimer's Association offers a variety of Memory Boxes to be used as an interactive tool for reminiscence. They can be borrowed free of charge from the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Resource Library.
Just Friends Social Club: JFSC is a partnership between the Alzheimer's Association and Catholic Family Center. The program provides people in the early stages of dementia and their family member or friend an opportunity to socialize within a safe and nurturing environment with others. This club meets twice each month in three-month sessions.
