Alzheimer’s Association announces support groups meetings 

The Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter welcomes those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia to attend one of its support groups that meet throughout the region.

Support groups are a community of peers that exist to support one another. These peer- or professionally-led groups are for individuals, caregivers and others dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia.

Caregiver support groups promote an open forum of sharing and discussion among people facing many of the same issues. The group’s power rests within its members’ ability to show compassion, develop strategies and empower its members to provide the highest quality care possible.

Early-stage support groups provide peer-to-peer conversation and support for individuals specifically diagnosed in the disease’s early stages. Groups are open to the individual with the disease and the caregiver, and advanced screening is recommended prior to attending by calling the number listed with the support group.

Additionally, the Chapter offers support groups for LGBT caregivers, caregivers of those with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease and Spanish-speaking caregivers. 

All support groups are free of charge to attend and facilitated by trained individuals. For more information, call 1-800-272-3900 or email to cny-programs@alz.org.

In Tioga County, Caregiver support groups will be held at Tioga Opportunities, Inc., located at 9 Sheldon Guile Blvd. in Owego, March 20 and April 17, at 1:30 p.m.

Caregiver Support Groups are also taking place in Broome County and at the following locations. Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish House, 719 W. Main St., Endicott, will host a group on March 14 and April 11 at 10 a.m. 

In Johnson City, the United Methodist Homes Hilltop Campus, located at 286 Deyo Hill Rd., will host support groups on March 21 and April 18 at 4 p.m. 

In Vestal, a support group will be held on April 3, at 5:30 p.m. at the Vestal Public Library located at 320 Vestal Parkway East. The first support group at that location was held on March 6.