COVID-19 Support Groups Start This Week

Please do not suffer in silence.  The pandemic is especially difficult for caregivers who are tying to cope with sheltering at home while caring for someone with dementia. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness. Rather, a support group is a self-care strategy.  As one of my gerontology doctoral students said, "You can't pour from an empty vessel." 

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is launching two new telephone-based support groups this week to help Alzheimer's caregivers cope with the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic. I have posted the dates below.  Registering is simple.  Call AFA's Helpline at 866-232-8484 and speak with a licensed social worker.  Tell him/her that you want to attend the support group. That's it.  

I phoned the Helpline and spoke with a social worker.  She said there is NO COST associated with the support groups. The purpose of calling the Helpline first is to register. 

"Support Group for Family Members Whose Loved Ones Reside in a Care Setting During COVID-19." Meets every Wednesday starting May 6, from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Eastern Time. 

"Family Interactions in the Time of COVID-19: How to Resolve Conflicts and Stressors." Meets every Friday starting May 8, from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Eastern Time.