Join an Alzheimer’s Support Group

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be a very lonely experience, but it doesn’t have to be! Alzheimer’s is too big of a burden not to be shared, and while doctors and other health professionals will offer you advice and direction, joining an Alzheimer’s support group can provide you with a level of emotional support you’ll find nowhere else. Choosing the right doctor for your loved one is crucial, and finding a support group for you is equally important.

An Alzheimer’s support group will connect you to a group of people from all walks of life who share the common experience of trying to care for someone with Alzheimer’s. Joining a group like this is very rewarding; it’s a gift that you give yourself. You’ll make new friendships, hear practical advice and tips, stay updated on the latest research information, and gain strength and encouragement when you need it most. Members of an Alzheimer’s support group can share things with each other that they can’t with anyone else.

When you are first dealing with your loved one receiving the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, you will feel shock and worry. Try to connect with a local group early in the process; this way you’ll have the support you need all along the way, and can even avoid some of the crisis points.

Choosing a group

Most communities have at least one Alzheimer’s support group, and most good size communities have multiple chapters. Each group has its own personality. You’ll want to visit several to find the kind of Alzheimer’s support that’s right for you. Some groups even provide adult day care for free while you attend the meeting.

On your initial visit, don’t be afraid to ask questions to see if anyone has solutions to whatever it is you are experiencing as a caregiver. But if you feel more comfortable, you can sit quietly and just observe on your first few visits. Just listening to the experiences shared by others can make your visit worthwhile.

There are many Alzheimer’s support groups that meet on the internet, too. This is a great help for the large amounts of time you have to be home with your family member. The internet can provide you with a worldwide support group, expanding your world when it is feeling the most constrained.

If you cannot find any Alzheimer’s support groups where you live, you can always start your own. No matter where you live, there are many other people who are feeling the impact of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, and they might be delighted to have someone like you take the initiative.

When you take the initiative to join a local support group, the benefits you will gain in understanding, wisdom, and emotional support will amaze you. The connection with others in similar situations will strengthen you and will make you an even better caregiver.