NEED TO FIND A SUPPORT GROUP in or NEAR LOVELAND, COLORADO

Pat's Husband

My wife of 46+ years is developing dementia. I'll confess it's pretty heavy for me at present. I need to find a support group for myself and maybe with her in the Loveland or Berthoud, Colorado area. I do not want to go as far as Fort Collins - an hours drive and it's a college town. She is 78 and I'm 79 and a retired electrical engineer with a physics degree. In a recent visit to our PCP, she absolutely refused any medications what-so-ever. Please.....I need some help and emotional support (!!) to accept this recent diagnosis. PLEASE!!

Please respond to my email: [email protected] or [email protected]

I hope and pray those emails are not scammed........

Pat's Husband (Dave)

H1235

Welcome. I’m so sorry you need to be here. I don’t know of an in person support group near you, but I can tell you this is a wonderful group here.I know it’s not the same as in person, but I would encourage you to give it a try. Ask questions, vent, share your story or browse to see what others are talking about. I will attach some resources that I have found helpful. This is the Alzheimer’s help line if you need it. 800-272-3900

DBAT.pdf

Anosognosia and Dementia - AgingCare.com.pdf

understanding-the-dementia-experience.pdf

Biggles

Hi Dave I hear your plea. Dementia is horrible that's all I can say. This site is the best place to be. I open this site every morning. Before I found this site I was a mess, the medical field couldn't help medically Specialists could only confirm the diagnosis and show me the pictures of my DH’s deteriorating brain. They had nothing emotionally to offer either, even our local Dementia Association had nothing to offer just scared the bejesus out of me. Then I found this site. Everyone here has this debilitating disease in common, everyone here is kind and caring with varying degrees of experience and will offer help when needed.

There are some very helpful articles to read on this site I recommend searching for ‘The Cavelry's Not Coming’ and ‘The Care Giver’s Brain’ both by Bill.

Take heart, stay strong and ask questions here often.

trottingalong

This is the best group I found. Anywhere. A wonderful, diverse group of individuals all offering support and knowledge. Deep breaths. One day at a time.

towhee

Pat's Husband, welcome, although sorry for the reason you need to be here. This is a very supportive group. We hear you. This is usually a fairly slow moving disease, you have time to learn and review decisions.

However, please be aware that anyone anywhere in the world may read these posts, you do not need to be a member of the site to read. Please delete your email addresses immediately and be cautious. The site provides a way to private message other members if you need to do so.

One of the best places to get information about support groups is the alzheimers help line previously mentioned. You can also call them anytime day or night when you are in need of emotional support and do not know where to turn.

Also contact Chilson Senior Center, your county Office of Aging, and an organization called Dementia Together. It looks like you have good resources in your area.

tonyac2

I echo others that this is the best group.
It’s not in person, but for me, that’s one of the advantages. There are so many things that I have read, posted that I know I wouldn’t have the composure to do so in person. Or maybe be too embarrassed to ask or reveal certain things. Even tho we’re all online and don’t see one another, I still feel the comradery and support as if we were physically together. Give it a try, it’s been a life saver for me.

SDianeL

Welcome. So sorry about your wife's diagnosis. Sadly there aren't many good in person support groups for dementia caregivers available. Finding therapists who specialize in caregiving of dementia patients is also challenging. There is no list. I found this forum to be the very best place for info and support. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found this group. I felt so alone. Doctors are not much help. Read the book "The 36 Hour Day" which was recommended by a nurse, and search online for Dementia Caregiving videos by Tam Cummings or Teepa Snow. They are extremely helpful. Learn all you can about the disease and caregiving. Get your legal affairs in order NOW with an Elder Law Attorney. DPOA, Medical POA, wills, etc. Come back often and post your questions or to vent. We understand what you are going through.

Goodlife2025

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75168/need-to-find-a-support-group-in-or-near-loveland-colorado

Hi Pat's Husband welcome and so sorry for your wife's diagnosis. I live outside of Grand Junction CO and finding a support group is hard for us. The mountains really keep us isolated and if you don't live in the metro Denver area the support systems are IME very limited. My DW age 50 was diagnosed in June 2024 and the closest person in our state (that our Neurologist is treating with early onset) is living in Cortez. 227 miles and 2 mountain ranges away. You might think about attending something virtually - BUT as is often said this site has been my saving grace and I am ever so thankful for the information, sharing, supports, and everything I would want from a support group that is found here.