The benefits of joining a support group
Connect with a community of others who understand life with dementia.
Share your experiences & connect with others
Caring for someone living with dementia, or experiencing dementia yourself, can feel isolating.
We often don’t realize just how much community and connection matter until we find a space where we can express our ideas, thoughts or worries and others truly understand. That’s what makes support groups at the Alzheimer Society so meaningful.
Support groups offer a place to share experiences, learn from others and build relationships with people who get it. Samantha Holland, First Link® Regional Team Lead at the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, sees firsthand how joining a support group can make a difference.
“I often hear people say, ‘I don’t think a support group is the place for me.’ I encourage them to try it out. Even those who are hesitant at first quickly find they can relate to others in the group,” Samantha says. “Having their experiences validated keeps them coming back to what becomes a new community of support.”
Finding the right fit: In-person vs virtual support groups
The Alzheimer Society offers both in-person and virtual support groups for care partners and people living with dementia. Whether you want to connect with others face-to-face or join from the comfort of your couch with a cup of tea, there’s something for everyone.
Samantha says that for some, in-person groups offer a chance to build local connections.
These meetings also often lead to friendships beyond the group — people exchange numbers, arrange coffee dates and grow their support networks.
Samantha has seen the impact virtual support groups can have. She says these groups give some care partners a space to share their experiences and connect with others from the comfort of home — something they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
“It’s really amazing to see the strong connections participants make through a screen,” she says.
Is a support group right for me?
Whether you’re living with dementia or supporting someone who is, these groups offer a chance to learn and lean on others through the exchange of mutual support. They’re also inclusive spaces open to people of all backgrounds, cultures and identities, including those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
To find a support group that best fits your needs, connect with our First Link® Client Support team
at 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg) /1-800-378-6699 (in Manitoba) or through email at alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca.
You can view all of our support group offerings and learn how to register on our support groups page.