Get the emotional support you need If you have Alzheimer's Connect with others online

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.

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.

Classes held on Tuesday's from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, at the Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W Elfindale, Springfield, MO

February 7        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.   
   
February 14      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.

February 21      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  

February 28      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.

March 6            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”.

March 13           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

March 20           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.

March 27            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.

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.

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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 Rob Hulstra at 800-272-3900 or rob.hulstra@alz.org

Cedar

Lake Stockton Nursing Center  Deborah Stockton

(417) 276-5126  4th Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. 

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   Rob Hulstra

Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W Elfindale, Springfield

800-272-3900 

Classes held on Tuesday's from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Tuesday, October 4 through Tuesday, November 22, 2011

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.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (with dessert) & at 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (with dessert)                   

Maranatha Village Chaplain Steve Anoa'i

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

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 

Laclede

Lebanon - Laclede Library  Art Ballantine 

McDonald

Golden LivingCenter-McDonald   Jennifer Middleton

Webco Manor    Teresa Bennett & Audrey Grobe

1687 W Washington   Marshfield

(417) 859-5144   3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.