Nearly two years ago, we established a support group in Westchester, filling a need of local family caregivers. A Speaker’s Bureau volunteer, Loli Ramezani, stepped up to facilitate and was able to participate in our support group leader training program.

Group participants have been appreciative since day one of the program: “I find the support group helpful because I can listen to other people discuss their situations and try to apply it to what I am experiencing. Plus, when I share, I can add levity to the mistakes I make as a caregiver. My stories are received warmly by the other members, whereas someone who is not an Alzheimer’s caregiver doesn’t appreciate the situation I’m in,” says group participant, Brian.

Why Join a support group?
Taking on the role of caregiver to a loved one living with Alzheimer’s can be devastating. Daily stress, financial worry, and the constantly changing needs of your loved one combine to tax your emotional and physical strength. Even with the support of family and friends, it is not unusual for a caregiver to feel isolated and alone. Spending an hour in a support group surrounded by others who are having a similar experience can help you feel more connected and cared for.

An Alzheimer’s Los Angeles support group is a free, open gathering of people with common needs and interests who come together to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s or another dementia in a safe environment. Though the members of a support group may have much else in common, they share the bond of caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

Meetings are conducted in Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, Armenian, and Korean, as well as English to assure that the multi-cultural needs of this vast region are met.