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Caregiver Support Group

New Support Group Available for Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Fifty-nine percent of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias rated the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high

Alzheimers Association

LAMPASAS, TX – In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter and the Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is hosting a Caregiver Support Group on the third Friday of each month at 10 a.m. The new support group begins May 20, 2022.

Alzheimer’s Association support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to:

  • Develop a support system.
  • Exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions.
  • Talk through issues and ways of coping.
  • Share feelings, needs and concerns.

For those who have an Alzheimer’s or other dementia diagnosis, or have a family member living with the disease, life can sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can present exhausting challenges that can take a significant toll on caregivers’ physical and mental health. The Alzheimer’s Association 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report notes that caregivers can experience increased emotional stress and depression; new or exacerbated health problems; and depleted income and finances as the person with dementia’s symptoms worsen. Greater satisfaction from dementia caregiving was associated with more emotional support from family members and friends.

“I feel that it is definitely a worthwhile support group for the county,” says Karen DeZarn, County Extension Agent – Family & Community Health, for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. DeZarn said she’s looking forward to seeing the group’s benefit for caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

Support groups can give caregivers the assistance and reassurance they might need to manage stress and take time for their own much-needed care. Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support groups provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on the unique journey of caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Finding a support group to share stories with, seek advice from or simply have other caregivers available to listen on a regular basis can help lower stress and alleviate the health risks that dementia caregivers may face.

“There are 400,000 Texans living with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Faith Lane, Program Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter. “We have more than a million caregivers in the state of Texas who provided more than 1.7 billion hours of unpaid care last year.” Lane continued, “More than 10% of caregivers have depression, and more than 56% have chronic health conditions.”

The new Lampasas support group will meet at the County Annex Building at 409 S. Pecan Street. For questions regarding the support group, call (254) 770-2346.

If you or someone you know is dealing with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, call the Alzheimer’s Association free 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900 for support and resources in more than 200 languages. For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter, visit alz.org/texascapital. For caregiving resources, visit alz.org/help-support/caregiving.

 

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.