No one should face dementia alone. At Alzheimer’s San Diego, we’re proud to offer dozens of virtual support groups 7 days a week, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to work with your schedule.
These groups are facilitated by experienced, compassionate leaders. They share some of the most valuable advice and takeaways they’ve learned over the years below.
RELATED | How to sign up for a virtual support group
“Support groups are a safe haven for caregivers to express ALL their emotions. Even though family and friends may be supportive of their caregiving role, only other caregivers can really empathize with everything they are feeling. Education is the key for caregivers; it helps to eliminate the fear factor as a loved one changes with dementia. Hearing how others cope with changes as they happen can ease their own journey. Members help each other with resources they have discovered – everything from home-delivered meals to the name of a good handyman!” – Janet, Tuesday Oceanside group leader
“Very often when a new member joins the group, it is the person who struggled most in the beginning, who leans forward and says: I know what you mean. I’ve been there and this is what I did… .” – Sandy & Carol, Thursday Vista group leaders
“In this group for younger-onset caregivers, you will hear others discuss balancing work, kids, and long-term planning considerations. Caregivers to those with younger onset dementia face unique challenges due to the impact that it has specifically on work life, financial considerations, and raising children and grandchildren. We discuss the importance of looking at long-term care planning and building a support system from friends, neighbors, and friends when possible.” -Rebecca, Young Onset Care Partners group leader
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“Pick your battles. Does it really matter if they wear PJ bottoms all day or their shirt is on inside-out? Try to find humor in this journey of caregiving.” – Sheila, Monday Escondido group & Wednesday Encinitas group leader
“We are family. We have same-sex couples, daughters taking care of mothers, spouses taking care of spouses. We are open to one another and value the discussions that we generate. In fact, many have lost their loved one and continue to meet with the group. They offer valuable insights to moving on with the business of living. And they share their stories of their past challenges and solutions.” – Patti, Tuesday San Carlos group leader
“Some advice that is commonly given is to go with the flow. Don’t try to argue. Also, saying I’m sorry or I’m sorry that happened can defuse a situation, even though you did nothing wrong.” – Debbie, Wednesday Sabre Springs group leader
“This group welcomes all kinds of care partners, whether you are caring for a spouse, parent, neighbor, sibling, grandparent, extended family member, or friend – you will have something in common with all of us, you are care partner who cares for your person. Meet the person living with dementia where/when they are at. Don’t try to change them. Put the ‘oxygen mask’ of self-care on yourself first. You can’t be a care partner if you don’t first care for yourself.” – Colleen, Thursday Point Loma group leader
“This is a specialized group that makes space for issues that are specific to the needs of those who are caring for someone living in a residential care facility. This group is especially helpful for those contending with the complicated dynamics of caring and advocating for someone during a pandemic.” – Kristen, Care Facility Care Partner group leader
“Members are starving for someone to talk to that understands their same struggles and their heartbreaks. They want to share those ‘what did YOU do when this happened’ kind of moments. Bottom line, they just need someone to lean on, that gets it. As a result most of my members have been attending for many years, resulting in forever friendships. Humor is a must in all my groups, since members want it and love the laughter, if only for a few hours.” – Lynne, Tuesday San Marcos group, Thursday Carlsbad group, and Thursday Santee group leader
To learn more and sign up for a group, please visit www.alzsd.org/support or contact Support Group Coordinator, Ellen Boucher, at
