Alzheimer's Support Group

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

When a family member or loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, where can you turn? How do you help that person most effectively? One of the most difficult jobs a person can undertake is to be a caregiver to a person with a serious or terminal illness. Those that care for Alzheimer’s patients have a unique set of obstacles to face as the condition worsens. They may have to deal with the patient having difficulty dressing, eating, or even recognizing their own family members. It can be a stressful and upsetting task, and only those that go through it can fully understand the situation.

That is why the Alzheimer Association’s Support Group is essential for so many caregivers. Pam Barton has been the group’s coordinator for the past 11 years. She develops and maintains approximately seventy support groups, and also serves as the facilitator for two in the Delaware Valley area.

The Support Group
Groups meet for 2 hours on a monthly basis. Attendees can choose to come to every meeting, or whenever they feel the extra support is necessary. Each meeting is usually divided into topics, such as the introduction, updates, and Alzheimer’s education. Many people attend the meetings simply to hear other’s personal stories about their experience with an Alzheimer’s patient, so they know they are not alone.

Stages For The Caregiver

• The early stages of being a caregiver may begin with shock or confusion about the diagnosis. You may wonder where to turn for help, and how to help your loved one. At this point, the disease has most likely not progressed to the point of the person being 100% dependant on you, so you are really more of a “care partner”, helping them with daily tasks.

• The next stage is planning what is best for the patient with the disease-if they can continue to live alone or will need to move in with another person for help. Being Alzheimer’s affects everyone that has it differently, assessing what the person is capable of at this point is crucial in helping him or her be productive and safe.

• The last stage is dealing with all the limitations and difficulties that may come with living with a person with the disease. It can be an emotional roller coaster when they can’t remember to do a certain task, and may need help bathing, eating, and completing just about every daily task. At this stage, the person with Alzheimer’s may be very different than they were before being diagnosed, and it is best to try to accept and understand that.