Support Groups
Our support groups, led by trained facilitators, provide care partners with the opportunity to discuss caregiving challenges in a safe setting that promotes mutual support, both practical and emotional. You will be able to share your feelings, learn different strategies to handle difficult situations, and gain emotional support. Talking with people who are going through similar situations can help you feel less alone as you confront the many challenges of caregiving.
About Alzheimer’s San Diego Support Groups
- Meetings are for care partners caring for individuals living with memory loss.
- Groups are based on care partner needs for a wide range of situations.
- Members are encouraged to attend as many meetings and groups as they like to feel best supported.
- Meetings are offered nearly everyday, at various times – and are confidential.
- Groups are flexible – feel free to attend when you can.
- Groups are always FREE!
Click to be directed to each group category:
Support Group Guidelines
- Be respectful and kind to your fellow members.
- Give everyone a chance to talk.
- Support each other by sharing your experiences and your feelings.
- Speak in reference to yourself. For example: “In my experience…” or “I feel…”
- What you hear and discuss is to be kept in confidence.
- For virtual groups: Try to log in a few minutes early to test your connection.
*Important* Note if the meeting is:
- Virtual via Zoom/phone–participation is free and easy. Please call the office for assistance getting started: 858.492.4400.
- In-person. If you are attending in person, please check the individual group location for any mask, vaccination, or other guidelines.
Client Testimonials
Specialized Groups
Frontotemporal (FTD) & Other Dementias Caregivers
1st Wednesday of the month from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
For care partners who are caring for someone who is living with dementia related to causes other than Alzheimer’s disease such as Frontotemporal, Vascular, or other cause. Presented in partnership with the UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Meeting ID: 965 3723 3090 / Pass Code: 013231
*No meeting on Jan 1st.
Late Stage Caregivers
1st & 3rd Wednesdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
For caregivers of someone living with dementia in the late stage whose care requires hands-on assistance with some or all activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, walking), working with communication difficulties, as well as mentally and emotionally preparing for end of life. Registration required. Please call our office, 858-492-4400, for more information.
*No meeting on Jan 1st.
In-Person Groups
North County Coastal
Oceanside Thursday Caregivers
1st & 3rd Thursdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Oceanside Public Library – Mission Branch
3861 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92058 map it
North County Inland
Escondido Monday Caregivers
2nd & 4th Mondays from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Park Avenue Community Center
210 East Park Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025 map it
San Marcos Tuesday Caregivers
Tuesdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: San Marcos Senior Activity Center
111 Richmar Ave, San Marcos, CA 92069 map it
*No meeting on Dec 24th.
Rancho Bernardo Tuesday Caregivers
2nd & 4th Tuesdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: San Rafael Catholic Church
17252 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92128 map it
*No meeting on Dec 24th.
Central San Diego
Encanto Thursday Caregivers (faith based)
4th Thursday of the month from 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: Skyline Hills Library
7900 Paradise Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92139 map it
*No meeting on Dec 26th.
East County
Ramona Wednesday Caregivers
4th Wednesday of the month from 10:00am to 11:30am
Location: Ramona Senior Center
434 Aqua Ln, Ramona, CA 92065 map it
*No meeting on Dec 25th.
South San Diego
Coronado Wednesday Active Caregivers
1st & 3rd Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Coronado Public Library
640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 map it
*No meeting on Jan 1st.
Otay Mesa-Nestor grupo de apoyo en español
1er y 3er jueves del mes de 3:30 a 5:00 p.m.
Location: Otay Mesa-Nestor Library
3003 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 map it
También tenemos un grupo en español en línea; consulte la sección “Specialized Groups” para obtener más detalles.
Virtual Groups
Tuesday Virtual Groups
Wednesday Virtual Groups
Thursday Virtual Groups
Saturday Virtual Groups
What are my options if I cannot attend a support group meeting in person?
Alzheimer’s San Diego will always have virtual support groups available for you to attend. Please call Support Group Coordinator Ellen Boucher at 858.966.3305 to discuss options of virtual support groups for you to choose from.
Join a Support Group
Watch this video for step-by-step instructions of how to sign up for a group.
You can find a list of support groups currently being held virtually in the list above. Groups meet using Zoom, which is free and easy to use. Simply click the meeting name to learn more and to register for the group. Here’s how to get started:
- Once you register, you will be emailed a secure Zoom link to join the group.
- You will receive a confirmation email which will provide a link for future meetings.
- The group leader will ask you for contact information so we can send email reminders.
You can also attend the support group meetings by phone. Please call us at 858.492.4400 for more information.
If you would like to schedule a Zoom practice session, please call Ellen Boucher at 858.966.3305.
Become a Support Group Facilitator
Interested in becoming a group facilitator? Alzheimer’s San Diego provides training, materials and ongoing support for those interested in facilitating a support group. Contact Ellen Boucher at 858.966.3305 or eboucher@alzsd.org for more information.