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Los Angeles Jewish Home's Blog

Friday, May 30, 2014
Alzheimer's Support Groups For Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia is one of the greatest challenges facing our maturing families. It can be overwhelming to face these challenges alone.Drawing on the state-of-the-art methods and programs utilized at the Jewish Home's Goldenberg•Ziman Special Care Center, our support groups are designed to help families, including spouses and adult children, care for a loved one affected by these conditions.

Made possible through the support of the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, the groups are led by experienced facilitators and offer the latest information on planning, care management, stress management and professional care options. A relaxed, confidential atmosphere provides a rewarding opportunity for fellow caregivers to share valuable firsthand experiences and methods of dealing with unique behaviors and coping with feelings, including those of grief and sadness.

Three groups are currently open to participants. Daytime Support meets on the first and third Monday of each month from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Evening Support meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. A Memory Fitness Group meets the first and third Friday of each month from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village.

Over the years, these support groups have proven to be invaluable to family caregivers. Here are a few of the many testimonials we have received:

  • The Alzheimer's Support Group which meets at Fountainview is extremelyhelpful to those of us who are caregivers like myself. We share our problemsand, with the help of Carol Sue Selinger (facilitator), are offered ways to helpour husbands, wives and other relatives who suffer.
    — Ann Zimmerman
  • Moving my mother to Los Angeles, adjusting to her new personality and physical abilities, dealing with day-to-day simple issues of how to handle thisand balance work and my own family… I couldn't do it and maintain a semblance of sanity without the guidance and support of the group. Sharingwith others in similar situations has been invaluable.
    — Suzanne Stern
  • I've learned that acceptance is a key part of getting through these challenging times. Additionally, just seeing that others have experienced similar family issues, while upsetting, is again part of the norm. But most importantly, I've been so appreciative of the support I have experienced onthose occasions where I have discussed my personal situation. That element has most certainly exceeded any expectation I had going in.
    — Andy Lavick
If you or someone you know is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, a support group can provide information, guidance, and understanding. For information about the Jewish Home's Alzheimer's Support Group, please contact the Group Hotline at (818) 757-4490 or via email at alzgroup@jha.org.

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