By Ashley McCleery

The North Jefferson News



Starting this month, the Alzheimer’s Family Program (AFP) of University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is offering a caregiver support group for those who care for dementia patients on the second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Covenant Place in Gardendale.

During the meetings, caregivers can share stories and struggles, ask questions and learn new information about dementia, the progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage to or disease in the brain, as well as new skills in caring for a dementia patient.

For the past several years, caregiver support groups have been held throughout Jefferson County and its surrounding counties, but this is the first year for Gardendale to host a support group. “They’re all over … except Gardendale,” AFP coordinator Betty Roberts said.

In the other support groups, Roberts said she’s noticed that caregivers feel the most important when they are a part of a support group. “Caregivers come to the support group and hear other people’s stories, and it makes them feel connected to an important group of people,” Roberts said.

Since many caregivers become very involved with their patients, they stop attending their regular activities that act as a support group, such as church. In turn, the caregivers can begin to feel alone and isolated from the rest of the community, which director of UAB Center for Aging Dementia Care Research Program Dr. Virginia Wadley said was typical.

“The caregiver is an isolating experience because it’s hard to leave the family member with dementia, especially in the more advanced stages,” Wadley said. “Caregivers tend to neglect themselves, their own health and their own social support.”

By offering a regular support group, Wadley said the feeling of isolation should be reduced. “The group allows them to talk about feelings of loss in their relationship. It’s different from when someone dies suddenly because this is a prolonged time of grieving. While sharing, they also develop new confidences.”

Through research of the different groups in the area, Roberts discovered that the caregivers involved in the groups actually find the support they need. Some even call the group their new family.

In addition to the new support group in Gardendale, AFP will soon begin an eight-session support group for people with early stage dementia as well as their caregiver/family member.

With each new program, Roberts said AFP just wants to help the caregiver and dementia patient through this difficult time. “We sure do hope people will make use of these things,” Roberts said. “Everyone’s welcome.”

For more information, contact Roberts at 934-2178.