We are excited to announce that we’ve created a new Caregivers Support Group for both professionals and family members who are assisting someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.

Meetings will be held at our Life Plan Community at 24 Tabor Crossing twice per month on the first Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and the third Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. In September, sessions will be held Sept. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Sept. 21 from noon to 1 p.m. A free light meal will be offered.

Anne Thomas, president and CEO of Glenmeadow, says the creation of the group is a direct result of a strategic planning initiative we outlined last year.

“We are committed to enhancing the services we provide in the area of dementia care because we know the need is great,” she says. “Many family members and professionals in this region need support as they provide 24/7 care to loved ones and clients with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

As a nonprofit with a mission to serve seniors and their families, we wish to embrace the need and offer free information and support. We hope this new program will provide practical knowledge as well as comfort.

Glenmeadow’s Caregivers Support Group will offer resources and assistance to professionals and those caring for a loved one. It is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about dementia and to understand their individual feelings about the life-changes associated with it.

Participants will learn practical caregiving techniques, get mutual support, learn about local resources, and find solutions to challenging behaviors.

Glenmeadow team members members Laura Lavoie, director of life enrichment; Ruth Dickinson, R.N., wellness nurse; JoAnn Paier, R.N., health care coordinator; and Emily Perkins, director of Glenmeadow at Home and a certified care manager, will lead the group.

The program is free but reservations are required by calling Laura Lavoie at 413-355-5905