A new Alzheimer’s Association support group has started in Keosauqua, IA, and it is led by Meagan Wagner who is a trained Alzheimer’s Association support group facilitator. It is starting on Friday, April 4 and will continue on the 1st Friday of each month from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Van Buren County Hospital.
Meagan has been an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer for two years leading education programs in her community. She is passionate about raising awareness about this disease and wants people facing Alzheimer’s or dementia to know they’re not alone. Her grandmother passed from the disease in 2004 when not a lot was known about the disease and there weren’t many resources to help families.
“The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are approximately 200 individuals living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia in Van Buren County alone, about 10% of the population. That means that there are a lot of caregivers around here who need to be supported and provided with resources to help them maintain a healthy, safe quality of life for both themselves and their loved one,” says Wagner. “Dementia is an ever-changing journey that is different for everyone. As a former caregiver myself, I encourage you to attend.”
Alzheimer’s Association support groups are free of charge and open to the general public, and they are generally focused on dementia caregivers. They are all facilitated by trained individuals who oftentimes have experience as a caregiver to someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Most groups are for all types of dementia caregivers, but there are also specific groups for different types of dementia.
Support groups offer:
· A safe place to meet and develop a mutual support system
· An opportunity to exchange practical information on caregiving problems and possible solutions
· A chance to talk through challenges and ways of coping
· Time to share feelings, needs and concerns
· Information about resources available in your community
Visit alz.org/crf or contact the 24/7 Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900 to learn more or register for this or any local support group.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
