Support Groups

Support (Connections) Groups

Support groups offer the opportunity to meet and learn from others who are experiencing the same journey as you. Groups provide a safe place to share experiences, laugh, learn and to develop coping strategies. There is no cost for this service.

The Alzheimer Society of Kitchener-Waterloo offers groups for:

• Individuals with early stage or early onset dementia

• Family care providers

Benefits of group support:

• Meet and get to know others who are going through a similar experience

• Be honest and frank, and discuss topics that you may not be able to with family and friends

• Learn more about the disease, and how to cope

• Help others, who are struggling with something you may already have encountered and worked through

Limitations of support groups:

It is important to recognize that support groups are not for everyone; some people do not find group discussion helpful and prefer other forms of help, such as individual support or professional assistance.

It is also important to understand that there are limitations to what a group can do, including;

• a replacement for professional or therapeutic counseling,

• a social gathering (although some socializing does occur),

• a learning session, the emphasis is on mutual sharing of experiences

For details and a complete listing of available support groups, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Kitchener-Waterloo at (519)742-1422.