Alzheimer's Support Group
Welcome to our support group web page. Let me begin by getting the basics out of the way…
When do we meet?
The first Monday of every month at 7:00 PM. The only exception to this would be if the day of the meeting happened to be a holiday (As Labor Day would be in September).
Where do we meet?
In the Fellowship Hall of the Hillcrest Alliance Church in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania.
Who attends our meetings?
People who have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or a related condition. They may be primary care givers or just a friend of the patient or caregiver who would like to learn more. You do not have to sign up in advance or call in order to attend a meeting, or make any kind of long term commitment. Just show up.
What do we do at our meetings?
We generally have a speaker who will make a presentation that will last between 30 to 45 minutes, usually followed by a time for question and answer. After a short break, our facilitator will generally ask those in attendance to discuss any particular problems or situations that they've encountered since the last meeting. This time of sharing has been especially helpful to our group. In case you are wondering, sharing isn't mandatory.
How long do our meetings last?
Typically we finish up between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
How do I find the church?
Look at our map for driving directions.
History of this support group.
We began meeting during the spring of 2001, getting organized with the help of Family Services of Western PA and training by the local Alzheimer's Association. Our initial meeting had only a handful of people. Since then, we've grown to a group of ten to 15 caregivers. Within the group, we have loved ones that are in various stages of the progression of Alzheimer's. While most of our members care for their loved one at home, some have their spouse / parent in a long term care facility.
Speakers that we have had previously have made presentations on the adult day care options, using humor and music to reduce caregiver stress.
For further help:
For more information and support, call the Alzheimer's Association toll free at (877) 327-4800 or (724) 837-9570.
Links
The National Alzheimer's Association
Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging
Concordia Lutheran Homes
Presbyterian SeniorCare's Woodside Place
The Greater Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Association