Sharing & Connecting: How Support Groups Can Help

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“It’s nice to meet with others who understand what it’s like to care for someone living with dementia. We help each other by sharing advice and talking about what we’re going through,” says Dave.

Dave reached out to the Alzheimer Society for information and support at the beginning of 2021, when his wife’s Alzheimer’s symptoms were progressing. He signed up for the monthly newsletter, where he learned about the Society’s support group offerings and decided to join the Care Partner Support Group in Transcona. Soon after, he also began attending the Men’s Coffee Talk Group and the Support Group for Spouses of Persons with Dementia Living in Long-term Care.

Dave says the group for spouses of persons living with dementia in long-term care has helped him a lot since his wife moved into a personal care home. “Moving my wife into personal care was a difficult and emotional time. It was a big change to suddenly cope with. But listening to the other group members – I realized this is something we’re all struggling with, that I’m not alone.”

Caring for a spouse who moves into long-term care brings unique challenges and it can be difficult to adjust. Support groups like the one Dave attends create space for conversations around complicated issues care partners may be struggling with, like self-identity, the loneliness that comes from living separately from your spouse and feelings of guilt.

“It’s hard because, unlike caring for a parent, you’ve lived with your spouse for a long time. And then one day, you just don’t anymore,” Dave says.

Dave encourages others to try out a support group if they’re caring for someone living with dementia. He says these groups are a great way for care partners to take the time to care for themselves. Talking with others who understand what you’re going through can really make a difference.

If you’re interested in finding a support group that’s right for you, you can learn more about our offerings on our Support Group page. With a range of topics, our support groups aim to meet the different challenges care partners may face.

Dave would like to give special thanks to his support group leaders for all the work they do. He is grateful for having a space where he and other care partners can comfortably talk and share their experiences.

All of our support groups are inclusive environments for people of different ethnicities, cultures or persons who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

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