Monthly Support Group
Dementia Caregiver Support meets every third Thursday at Zion United Methodist Church from 1:00-3:00pm. Everyone is invited.
Zion United Methodist Church: 808 Jefferson St. Mendota, IL 61342
Who is a caregiver? You! If you are a spouse, child, relative, neighbor or friend of someone living with dementia, you are a caregiver. Some people think that term means someone you pay to come in for home care. They count too, but caregiver support groups are most often for family and friends of someone with the disease.
Future caregiver support meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month at Zion Methodist Church from 1 - 3:00. They will be led by Lori Angus and feature a different topic each month. Let us know what kind of things you struggle with or would like to learn about! If you have difficulty getting to the meetings or other complications with attending, please let us know at 815-538-2186.
If you need this support in Spanish, please contact us at 815-538-2186.
We will work to find support in Spanish and translation of services if needed.
Attending a dementia support group provides essential emotional validation, reduces isolation, and offers practical caregiving strategies from peers, which helps caregivers manage stress, avoid burnout, and improve their loved one’s quality of life. These groups offer a safe, confidential space to share experiences, gain knowledge about the disease's progression, and find community.
Key Reasons to Attend a Dementia Support Group
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Emotional Support & Validation: Connect with others who truly understand the daily struggles, reducing feelings of loneliness, guilt, anxiety, and depression.
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Practical Tips & Education: Learn actionable advice for managing dementia-related behaviors, navigating the healthcare system, and planning for the future.
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Reduced Isolation & Improved Well-being: Breaking the isolation of caregiving helps caregivers feel less overwhelmed, which improves their mental health and allows them to maintain their own health.
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Empowerment & Confidence: Gaining knowledge and hearing success stories from others increases confidence in caregiving abilities.
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Resource Sharing: Access information on local resources, such as respite care services and legal or financial planning.
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Safe Space: A non-judgmental, confidential environment to discuss the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of dementia.
Support groups help caregivers feel less alone and better equipped to handle the, often long, journey of dementia.
Why Support Groups Matter for Families
The Role of Dementia Support Groups in Dementia Care
https://www.trualta.com/resources/blog/the-role-of-a-dementia-support-group-in-dementia-care/
Virtual Support Groups - through Alzheimer’s Association - if you can’t find time to leave home or you would like more anonymity.
