Caregivers: Resources & Support Groups

for Alzheimer's/Dementia, Parkinsons, Caregivers & Widowed Persons

Homepage Link for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance: https://www.mesothelioma.com
Caregiver Resources Link: https://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/resources/
Meetings: Online Support/Informative Community

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is an online community that shares support stories and inspires hope online. We have a ton of information for caregivers of those affected, and in addition sadly the disease we're fighting affects the older generation more than any other. The average age for a Mesothelioma diagnosis is 74, since many people live with the disease for up to 20 years before they know if they have it.

 

Alzheimer/Dementia Caregiver Support Groups

MONDAY:
The Emeritus Assisted Living Facility
Contact: Lacey @508-999-0404
Monday (monthly) 6:00pm to 7:30pm

TUESDAY:
Catholic Memorial Home
Contact: John Rogers LSW @ 508-679-0011
Tuesday (monthly) 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Tuesday (monthly) 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Dartmouth Early Stage CarePartner Group
Contact: Carolyn Greany @ 508-304-4587
Every other Tuesday 3:00pm to 4:30pm

The Tremont in Wareham
Contact: Dianne Connelly @ 508-295-1040
Tuesday (monthly) 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Thursday (monthly) 3:00pm to 4:00pm

WEDNESDAY:
Community Nurse & Hospice Care, Inc. & The Royal of Fairhaven
Contact: Patricia Midurski RN @ 508-992-6278
Meeting held at: Mattapoisett Library
Wednesday (monthly) 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Fairhaven Council on Aging
Contact: Patricia Midurski RN @ 508-992-6278
Wednesday (monthly) 1:00pm to 2:00pm

The Royal of Fairhaven
Contact: Maureen Bradley LPN @ 774-285-0088
Meeting held at: The Royal of Fairhaven
Wednesday (monthly)  4:00pm to 5:00pm

Riverview Adult Day Care
Contact: Michelle Tavares or Maria Walsh @ 508-673-1290
Wednesday (monthly)  6:00pm to 7:30pm
**Portuguese Caregiver Group***

THURSDAY:
The Tremont in Wareham
Contact: Dianne Connelly @ 508-295-1040
Tuesday (monthly) 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Thursday (monthly) 3:00pm to 4:00pm

The Residence @ Cedar Dell
Contact: Nicole Senna @ 508-636-0590
Thursday (monthly) 5:00pm to 6:00pm
UPDATED: May 6th, 2015 pegm

Parkinson's Support Group - two (2) groups, one for Parkinsons and one for Caregivers

THURSDAYS:
Dartmouth Council on Aging
Contact: Judy Medeiros @ 508-997-0907
2nd Thursday  1:00 p.m.

Widowed Persons' Support Groups (for women & men)

FRIDAYS:
Dartmouth Council on Aging
Contact: Linda J. Rose @ 508-990-2979
1st & 3rd Fridays - 2 groups
"1st Group" (for newly widowed (smaller group) 8:15 a.m - 10:00 a.m.
"2nd Group" (for widowed who are at a more comfortable place in their lives) 10 a.m. - 12 noon

WEDNESDAYS:
YWCA - 20 South 6th St, New Bedford
Contact: Linda J. Rose @ 508-990-2979
2nd & 4th Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

What are SUPPORT GROUPS?

Support groups are confidential meetings of persons diagnosed with a condition (such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc., or their caregivers. (There are also support groups for widows & widowers). You can learn more about what you or your loved one are going through and meet others going through similar situations. Some groups meet monthly, others weekly, and they are free and open to anyone. For the Alzheimers' groups, the groups are not run by the Alzheimer's Association, but the Association does provide group leaders with training and support. Group leaders are asked to sign confidentiality agreements and conflict of interest forms with the Alzheimer's Association.

What types of support groups are there?

Caregiver -- Most of our Support Groups are non-specific Caregiver Groups, designed for someone who is caring for a loved one with a diagnosis of dementia near or far.

Disease Specific Caregiver groups -- Some Caregiver Groups are disease specific, such as Lewy Body Dementia, Frontal temporal dementia (Indicated in group type).

Specific Audiences -- Some Caregiver Groups are designed for a specific audience such as Down's Syndrome, Mindful Caregiving, Men Caregivers etc. (Indicated in group type).

Younger Onset Dementia -- Support Groups specifically designed for families with a loved one diagnosed under the age of 65. These can be for Caregivers, Early Stage, and for Young Adults, with a parent diagnosed at a Younger age. (Indicated in Group type)

Who attends support groups?

People of all ages, races, genders, education levels and backgrounds. Although many members join when they are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, people who attend groups tend to be strong individuals who are looking to gain the best support available for themselves and their families and who want to learn about the disease, and prepare for the future. It also allows creates an opportunity for participants to help each other deal with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Why should someone attend a group?

While attending a group is not the solution for all, it can be a vital part of maintaining the health and well-being of both caregiver and patient. Groups provide vital education about managing dementia care that reduces stress for all involved. Research has shown that attending a support group can not only reduce caregiver stress but improve the functioning of people with Alzheimer’s, keep them living at home longer, and assist in managing difficult behaviors that may arise.

Many people don’t attend a group because they think they are depressing or someplace you go if you can’t cope. But the opposite is true! Groups help you cope. Studies have found that the least depressed caregivers attend a group. And group members themselves have often found that while the group is a good place to cry if you need to, it is also is a great place to laugh.

What is a group like?

Most groups meet 1 or 2 times a month for 60-90 minutes, and provide a combination of education and emotional support. Technology-assisted groups (groups via phone or internet) usually meet more often but for less time.

A typical group starts a leader(s) introducing him or herself and making announcements, and the members introducing themselves however they are comfortable doing so. A group may then follow-up with issues from the previous meeting, answer questions, provide educational information, or allow an open format for member discussion. Groups conclude in a variety of ways that vary from a deep breathing exercise or the leader providing handouts on topics discussed in the meeting to the telling of a ‘joke of the month’ or a ten minute coffee break for members to chat informally.