A support group is a formal gathering of caregivers, family, friends and/or persons with dementia to discuss issues relating to Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of the support group is to provide an opportunity for family members, friends and caregivers to meet regularly for mutual emotional support and to exchange coping skills with one another in matters relating to Alzheimer’s disease.

Locations and schedules are available here, in PDF format.

The reasons that people attend support groups vary. People may come to a group to gain a better understanding of the disease, because they are in crisis or because they have specific caregiving struggles. They may be looking for advice on a particular subject or just want to be with people who are having similar experiences. Therefore, the support group is different things for different people.

The support group:

• Creates a safe, supportive environment or community
• Educates and informs
• Develops methods and skills to solve problems
• Encourages participants to maintain personal, physical and emotional health
• Allows for personal growth and development.

Some benefits of being a support group participant are:

• A chance to be part of a support environment or community
• An opportunity to talk and share with others
• A chance to learn more about dementia
• An opportunity to learn from others who are in a similar situation
• An opportunity for personal growth and development
• A place to meet new people
• A chance to develop informal supports and social relationships
• A break from caregiving responsibilities

At the support group, families and caregivers meet and develop a mutual support system that helps them maintain their own health and well being, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia.