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Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers — How to Find a Support Group That Works for You

Are you a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder? The Spring 2016 issue of the Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Association newsletter includes a list of 16 different Alzheimer’s specific support groups in the state (pages 6-7).

Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups are designed to:

“provide education/knowledge about the disease and caregiving skills. The combination of education and emotional support should enable caregiver to feel better at the end of the meeting. Groups remind caregivers they are not alone, give them a chance to say what they are feeling in a supportive environment, learn new strategies and resources in the community and foster support networks.”

In looking over the list we noted that there are also specific groups geared towards couples and LGBT caregivers; a group that invites persons with early stage memory loss to attend with their caregiver; and a Spanish language group.

Groups are held throughout the state almost every day of the week, during the day and in the evening. The Alzheimer’s Associations reminds caregivers that “each group has its own character and each meeting is different. It may take some time to find the right group.”

Can’t make it out to a meeting? You can connect to thousands of other people online using the website alzconnected.org. There are free message boards for caregivers, people living with Alzheimer’s, family members and friends, and anyone who has lost someone to Alzheimer’s Disease.

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