WBIW.com News - local

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

Alzheimer's Association Hosts Caregiver Support Groups

Last updated on Tuesday, April 12, 2016

(UNDATED) - The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter hosts support groups across the state for unpaid care partners, family members and friends of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Support groups are free and designed to provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers. Attendees will develop coping methods, encourage self-care, learn about community resources and optimize care techniques. While sharing personal experiences is encouraged, it is not required.

The following are upcoming dates and locations of support groups in your area:

Bloomington (Spouse Support Group)

IU Health Hospital Community Health Building
333 Miller Drive
First and Third Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m.
Next meetings: April 20, May 4, May 18, June 1 and June 14

Switz City

Switz City Christian Church
Highway 54
First Monday of the month at 6 p.m.
Next meetings: May 2 and June 6

"Caregivers face a variety of unique challenges, but they are not alone on this journey," said Kristi Ritchie, Alzheimer's Association Family & Community Program Coordinator. "The Alzheimer's Association is here to help. Through these groups, we hope to connect families not only to our care and support services, but to a larger network of families facing similar situations."

For a full listing of Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter support groups and other services, please visit alz.org/indiana or call the Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Alzheimer's disease is the nation's sixth-leading cause of death. Today, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, including 110,000 Hoosiers. More than 15 million caregivers, including more than 334,000 in Indiana, provided 18.1 billion hours of unpaid care in 2015. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias will amount to $236 billion in 2016.

About the Alzheimer's Association:

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. It is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer's.