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Get the emotional support you need
We have many support groups, at various times and locations. Check below to see if there is a group close to you that fits your needs.
If you prefer, call our 24-hour Helpline — 1.800.272.3900.
Early Stage Education & Support Classes
The purpose of the Early Stage Education and Support Program is to provide a safe and supportive environment of peers who are living in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia and their care partners. This program offers dementia-related education, emotional support, and connections with resources so that the members may enhance their lives in the midst of the disease.
The program is led by qualified facilitators and each person participating is encouraged to enhance their lives by developing problem-solving and coping skills, establishing a support system, maintaining physical and emotional health, and planning for the future.
There is no charge for these classes. Light refreshments will be served.
Contact Marci McKie at 417-886-2199 or 800-272-3900 to register.
SPRINGFIELD
Classes held on Tuesday's from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, at the Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W Elfindale, Springfield, MO
May 7, 2013 Introduction/Overview
Week one focuses on introductions and getting to know the group and its members. Significant time will be devoted to introductions and learning more about each member, including personal histories and stories of getting diagnosed.
May 14, 2013 Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Loss
In week two, the topic is “Aging, Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. There is quite a bit of material to help families and a person with dementia understand the disease and its effect on the brain.
May 21, 2013 Partnering With Your Doctor / Effictive Communication
Developing a working relationship with your doctor is a very important part of managing your illness. It can take some time. However, it is very important that your doctor gets to know you
May 28, 2013 Telling Others About The Diagnosis: Family and Friends
When you learn that you have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, you may not believe it, or you may feel overwhelmed, confused or angry. You may be hesitant to tell your family and friends about your diagnosis due to concerns about how they will react. You may not want sympathy or help, but you may want the people that you are close to know because you care about them.
June 4, 2013 Legal and Financial Issues / Playing It Safe
There are a number of legal and financial documents that will help you formalize you plans and wishes. Taking the time to put these documents in place now will be a big help to you and your family in the future. Playing it Safe will cover topics such as “At Home and Away” and “To Drive or Not To Drive”.
June 11, 2013 Daily Strategies
Alzheimer’s disease affects different parts of your brain so, although you may not clearly remember things from your past, you may not remember recent events or schedules. This topic will cover several strategies for coping with Alzheimer’s
June 18, 2013 Coping With Changes / Opportunities For Supporting Research
You are learning about your disease and about what you can and cannot do. You may feel worried, angry or sad. In this class we will talk about these feelings, how to cope with them, and knowing that these feelings are normal. This session will also talk about the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch. This is a few service that makes it easy for people with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, families and physicians to locate clinical trials based on personal criteria and location. Right now, more than 100 research studies pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are underway and recruiting volunteers.
June 25, 2013 End of Group Issues and Staying Connected
Recapping the events of the previous weeks, sharing experiences, discussing challenges and solutions. Stigma associated with a diagnosis Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is a topic of particular interest to people in early stages. Stigma can be the reason why some people delay getting an evaluation by a medical professional. Raising awareness reduces stigma and engages others to raise funds and change public policy.
JOPLIN
Classes held on Thursday's from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at the Spiva Center for the Arts, 222 W Third St, 2nd Floor Library, Joplin, MO
May 9, 2013 Introduction / Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Loss
Week one focuses on introductions and getting to know the group and its members. Significant time will be devoted to introductions and learning more about each member, including personal histories and stories of getting diagnosed. We will also discuss, “Aging, Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. There is quite a bit of material to help families and a person with dementia understand the disease and its effect on the brain.
May 16, 2013 Partnering With Your Doctor / Effictive Communication
Developing a working relationship with your doctor is a very important part of managing your illness. It can take some time. However, it is very important that your doctor gets to know you. We will also discuss how "communication" becomes compromised and effective strategies to alleviate frustrations that go along with this.
May 23, 2013 Telling Others About The Diagnosis: Family and Friends - Our important Relaationships
When you learn that you have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, you may not believe it, or you may feel overwhelmed, confused or angry. You may be hesitant to tell your family and friends about your diagnosis due to concerns about how they will react. You may not want sympathy or help, but you may want the people that you are close to know because you care about them.
June 6, 2013 Legal and Financial Issues / Playing It Safe
There are a number of legal and financial documents that will help you formalize you plans and wishes. Taking the time to put these documents in place now will be a big help to you and your family in the future. Playing it Safe will cover topics such as “At Home and Away” and “To Drive or Not To Drive”.
June 13, 2013 Daily Strategies / Coping With Changes
Alzheimer’s disease affects different parts of your brain so, although you may not clearly remember things from your past, you also may not remember recent events or schedules. This topic will cover several strategies for coping with Alzheimer’s learning about your disease and about what you can and cannot do. You may feel worried, angry or sad. In the second part of this class we will talk about these feelings, how to cope with them, and knowing that these feelings are normal.
June 20, 2013 Opportunities For Supporting Research, End of Group Issues and Staying Connected
This session will talk about the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch. This is a service that makes it easy for people with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, families and physicians to locate clinical trials based on personal criteria and location. Right now, more than 100 research studies pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are underway and recruiting volunteers. We will also re-cap the events of the previous weeks, sharing experiences, discussing challenges and solutions and share opportunities for staying connected.
BRANSON
Classes held on Wednesday's from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at the Taneyhills Community Library, Fourth and Pacific, Branson, MO
May 1, 2013 Introduction / Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Loss
Week one focuses on introductions and getting to know the group and its members. Significant time will be devoted to introductions and learning more about each member, including personal histories and stories of getting diagnosed. We will also discuss, “Aging, Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. There is quite a bit of material to help families and a person with dementia understand the disease and its effect on the brain.
May 8, 2013 Partnering With Your Doctor / Effictive Communication
Developing a working relationship with your doctor is a very important part of managing your illness. It can take some time. However, it is very important that your doctor gets to know you. We will also discuss how "communication" becomes compromised and effective strategies to alleviate frustrations that go along with this.
May 15, 2013 Telling Others About The Diagnosis: Family and Friends - Our important Relationships
When you learn that you have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, you may not believe it, or you may feel overwhelmed, confused or angry. You may be hesitant to tell your family and friends about your diagnosis due to concerns about how they will react. You may not want sympathy or help, but you may want the people that you are close to know because you care about them.
May 22, 2013 Legal and Financial Issues / Playing It Safe
There are a number of legal and financial documents that will help you formalize you plans and wishes. Taking the time to put these documents in place now will be a big help to you and your family in the future. Playing it Safe will cover topics such as “At Home and Away” and “To Drive or Not To Drive”.
May 29, 2013 Daily Strategies / Coping With Changes
Alzheimer’s disease affects different parts of your brain so, although you may not clearly remember things from your past, you also may not remember recent events or schedules. This topic will cover several strategies for coping with Alzheimer’s learning about your disease and about what you can and cannot do. You may feel worried, angry or sad. In the second part of this class we will talk about these feelings, how to cope with them, and knowing that these feelings are normal.
June 5, 2013 Opportunities For Supporting Research, End of Group Issues and Staying Connected
This session will talk about the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch. This is a freeservice that makes it easy for people with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, families and physicians to locate clinical trials based on personal criteria and location. Right now, more than 100 research studies pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are underway and recruiting volunteers. We will also re-cap the events of the previous weeks, sharing experiences, discussing challenges and solutions and share opportunities for staying connected.
If you have Alzheimer's--
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.
If you would like to become a Support Group Facilitator, please contact Marci McKie at mmckie@alz.org or 417-886-2199.
Support groups listed by county
*Our chapter is currently in need of support groups in the counties of Barry, Barton, Carter, Christian, Dade, Douglas, Ozark, Ripley, Shannon, Texas and Wright. If you are interested in becoming a support group facilitator please contact Marci McKie at 800-272-3900 or marci.mckie@alz.org
Cedar
Lake Stockton Nursing Center Deborah Stockton
818 Owen Mill Stockton
(417) 276-5126 4th Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room
Christian
Ozark Senior Center Mitzi & Gary Ungren
727 N 9th Ozark
(417) 300-1301 3rd Thursday of each month
Dallas
Colonial Springs Lori Cunningham
750 W. Cooper Buffalo
(417) 345-2228 1st Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. at facility
Greene
Early Stage Education & Support Classes Marci McKie
Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W Elfindale, Springfield
800-272-3900 Classes held on Tuesday's from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 through June 25, 2013
Alzheimer's Association Grief Loss Pam Stoelzel & Marci McKie
Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W Elfindale, Springfield
(417) 886-2199 2nd Thursday of the month from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Central Assemblies of God James Harris III (417) 885-1364 & Mariah Burdrick (417) 838-9456
1301 Boonville, Room 223, Springfield
Every Sunday of the month at 6 pm
Christian Healthcare West Amy Yoss
3403 W. Mt. Vernon Springfield
(417) 864-5600 Last Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m.
Cox Alzheimer's Support Judee Steward
1000 E. Walnut Lawn Springfield
(417) 269-3616 2nd Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Respite Care provided - call ahead to arrange for respite.
Enjoy The Moment Phyllis Dixon (417) 889 8613 & Carolyn Raney (417) 753 7800
197 Marshall St - Rogersville Area Senior Center
2nd Friday of each Month from 12:00 - 1:00 pm
MapleWood Tomi Benedict
1146 E Lakewood St, Springfield
(417) 885-9050 Last Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Maranatha Village Chaplain Steve Anoa'i & Katrice Switzer
233 E. Norton Road Springfield
(417) 833-0016 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at facility
Mercy Villa Ann Payette & Pat Auston
1100 E. Montclair Springfield
(417) 820-8500 3rd Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. at facility. Respite provided
Northview Center Alzheimer's Support Mitzi Ungren
301 E Talmage Springfield
(417) 300 1301 3rd Monday of each month from 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Redeemer Alzheimer's Group Ted & Christine Green (417) 773 9624 & Pastor Iromar Schreiber (417) 881 5470
2852 S Dayton Springfield
3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Sunset Church of Christ Mary Alexander & Toni Pittman
1222 W Sunset, Springfield
(417) 883-2044 1st Monday of each month from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Denvard Heasley & Bill Oliver
1st Monday of each month from 6 pm to 7 pm
The Gardens Amy Brake
1302 W. Sunset Springfield
(417) 881-1330 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Willard First Baptist Church Betty Thomas
202 W. Jackson Willard
(417) 742-3333 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the church. Respite care provided.
Hickory
First Baptist Church Codeen Howell
NW corner of Square (Activity Building) Hermitage
(417) 745-6490 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m.
Howell
Riverways Adult Day Care LaDonna Caraway
418 E. Main West Plains
(417) 255-2965 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the facility
Jasper
Freeman Hospital Health Julie Matchall & Anna Moore
932 E. 34th Joplin
(417) 347-4478 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
The Arbors at Silver Creek Carey Prater
Laclede
Lebanon-Laclede County Library Pam Kasiske
Benage Room
915 S Jefferson Ave Lebanon
(417) 532-3999 2nd Tuesday of the month 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lawrence
Aurora Nursing Center Sandy Brown
1700 S. Hudson Aurora
(417) 678-2165 Last Wednesday of the month at 2:00 p.m.
McDonald
Golden LivingCenter-McDonald Jennifer Middleton
1000 Patterson Anderson
(417) 845-3351 4th Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Newton
Medicalodge of Neosho Michelle Best
420 S Lyon Neosho
(417) 451-2544 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Polk
CMH Alzheimer's Support Group Billie Baldwin
1500 N Oakland Bolivar
(417) 886-2199 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the Community Room
Stone
Stone County Support Group Vicki Giauque
First Christian Church
5 Hilltop Dr Kimberling City
(417) 598-1514 2nd Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m.
Taney
Skaggs Community Health Susan Lewis
N. Bus. 65 & Skaggs (Dogwood Room) Branson
(417) 544-1026 4th Tuesday of the month at 4:15 p.m.
Vernon
Barone Alzheimer's Disease Nancy Malcom
2101 N. Ash Nevada
(417) 448-3999 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Webster
Webco Manor Teresa Bennett & Audrey Grobe
1687 W Washington Marshfield
(417) 859-5144 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
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