A Group for My Husband to Feel Comfortable In...

LauraCD

Are there groups for patients with Alzheimers and if so are those groups aligned with the different stages of the disease? I ask because I think my husband would benefit from being a part of a group where he can identify with others and share experiences and learn. But, what I hesitate to do is have him in a group where there might be individuals significantly more advanced in the disease. This, I know, would frighten and depress him.

I am starting with a caregiver group myself next week. As is obvious I think -- I am new to this and flailing for resources and my own readiness for whatever comes next. I want to avail myself of whatever might be out there for my husband and myself.

Thank you in advance. These forums have already been so helpful and I have just started.

mrahope

Hello, and welcome. I don't know what may be available in your area, but in ours there is a day program for folks at many different points in the disease progression, and yes, the people are placed in groups according to where they are in their cognitive abilities.

harshedbuzz

@LauraCD

This would be a great question for you local support group members or perhaps even his dementia specialist. It's great you're finding a local group. This place is great but people in your community will have local knowledge like which doctors or dentists are good with PWD, which MCFs and CELAs are best, etc.

There are different kinds of groups. Day programs are typically 9-3 and function as respite for at home caregivers or to allow them to work. While they are typically grouped by stage, as a generalization the others there will have progressed to a point where they are not safe at home.

Where I live, some of the hospital systems offer Memory Cafe meetings. These are more often for both partners and include some sort of entertainment or guest speaker. The people who attend these are sometimes more newly diagnosed but there could be a mix of disease progression at any given meeting.

HB

Jgirl57

Memory cafe is what I would suggest also . They usually meet once a month but it is for the individual and whoever brings them stays as well. I believe most participants are stage 3-5.

Ed1937

Laura, as good as this forum is, there are times a local support group is better. I have attended both local and this forum. I find that for the most part, this forum offers more than the local groups. But the local groups will be better when you have questions about things that are local, instead of just typical problems with caregiving. Local groups can also be helpful there, but there are typically time restraints so everyone can get a chance to talk. Even then, if the program is run on a strict time frame (ie, it runs from 5 to 6:30), some people may be left out.

Advantages of an online forum like this one:

You can post at any time of the day or night.

If you don't feel you can add anything more to a thread, you can pick any other thread where you can potentially be helpful.

Several people can receive suggestions at the same time.

You might be more willing to bring up subjects that could be embarrassing if you have to look others in the eye while bringing something up, therefore a potential important question might go unanswered. Some things that might fall into this category are sex, family problems, drug and alcohol problems, sex orientation, and other things. Anything is allowed here, and we've heard it all, with no prejudices. It's all good, and we help with just about anything. You are treated with respect and understanding.

PlentyQuiet

I go with DH to Memory Cafe once a month, and he has a PWD support group once a month. He loves both of these as a place where there is no pressure. If word finding problems pop up everyone there gets it. He has a chance to talk with others in early to mid stages about the things without judgement by others. I found both through the Alz Assoc website. In addition he is a part of Giving Voice, a chorus for those with Alzheimer's. He loves it.

mikal4u2

I too am looking for a place for my DH to get support, be with others and support for me at the same time. My problem is finding a local group in my area. I have heard of Memory Cafes but I don't know how to find one in my local area. It sounds like something my DH and I both need. I feel like I am looking for a lifeboat and don't know where to look. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ed1937

Welcome to the forum. Sorry you are both going through this now.

Mikal, we have a discussions forum for people with dementia. If you look above this post, click on "HOME", then follow the links. You might want to look it over before having him sign on to make sure this is what you're looking for. You can also contact the helpline for information on what might be available locally. 800.272.3900

We occasionally have PWD (people with dementia) join this forum, and their input is appreciated. It gives up insight into their unique world, and that helps everybody.

mikal4u2

Ed1937,

Thank you so very much!😊

harshedbuzz

@mikal4u2

Where I live, these are often sponsored by hospitals or hospital systems. There was one affiliated with the memory center where dad was diagnosed. Often they are mentioned on the organizations website.

You neurologist might know of one local to you. Your Area Agency on Aging might, too.

HB

mikal4u2

harshedbuzz,

Thanks!