Alzheimer’s Association shifts support groups to telephone, online platforms
SYRACUSE (April 2, 2020) — Based on the guidance from local public health agencies, the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter has transitioned its support groups from in-person meetings to gatherings that take place remotely. Staff- and peer-led groups will meet at their regularly scheduled times, but using telephone or online meeting services.
“The health and safety of our constituents, volunteers and staff remain our driver as we address the COVID-19 outbreak and as we continue to pursue our mission, today and in the longer term,” said Catherine James, Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter Chief Executive Officer. “Alzheimer’s Association operations will continue, and we will re-evaluate these measures on an ongoing basis and resume in person engagements as soon as we are able, based on public health guidelines.”
Support groups are open to all caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Some groups have specialized audiences, including spousal caregivers and individuals living with early-stage dementia. To obtain instructions on how to join a group by phone or online, call 315.472.4201 and dial extension 228 at the prompt.
Moving groups to a virtual environment means that peer support is available on a more frequent basis.
“Our groups had previously been organized geographically and resources local to that area will still inform each group,” James said. “But, the nature of how we are operating right now allows us to offer a group to whomever needs one, whenever they need it.
Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. Alzheimer’s Association support groups provide an opportunity for people to share personal experiences and feelings, and coping strategies.
All support groups are free of charge to attend and facilitated by trained individuals.
Upcoming meetings include:
April 7, 6 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Vestal Public Library, Vestal)
April 7, 6:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care, Canton)
April 8, 10 a.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish House, Endicott)
April 8, 5:30 p.m.: Open to caregivers of people with younger-onset (under 65 years old) Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia (regularly meets at Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, Syracuse)
April 8, 1:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Gouverneur Community Center, Gouverneur)
April 8, 6 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Community Resources for Independent Seniors, Cazenovia)
April 9, 6 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Little Falls Community and Senior Center, Little Falls)
April 10, 1 p.m.: Open to individuals with early-stage dementia and their care partners (regularly meets at Vestal United Methodist Church, Vestal)
April 11, 11 a.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Liverpool First Presbyterian Church, Liverpool)
April 13, 11 a.m.: Open to individuals with early-stage dementia and their care partners (regularly meets at Dunham Public Library, Whitesboro)
April 14, 3 p.m.: Open to all caregivers but intended for LGBT caregivers (regularly meets at SAGE Upstate, Syracuse)
April 14, 5 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Rome Memorial Hospital, Rome)
April 14, 6:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Baldwinsville Methodist Church, Baldwinsville)
April 15, 12:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Walden Place, Cortland)
April 15, 4 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at United Methodist Homes Hilltop Campus, Johnson City)
April 15, 4:30 p.m.: Open to individuals with early-stage dementia and their care partners (regularly meets at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, DeWitt)
April 16, 10 a.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Lewis County Office for the Aging, Lowville)
April 16, 1 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at The Hearth on James, Syracuse)
April 16, 6 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at United Church of Christ, First Congregational, Norwich)
April 17, 10 a.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Madison County Office for the Aging, Canastota)
April 17, 1 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Ogdensburg Public Library)
April 21, 1:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Tioga Opportunities, Inc., Owego)
April 21, 3:15 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at The Gathering Place at NSBC, N. Syracuse)
April 21, 5:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at The Centers at St. Camillus, Syracuse)
April 22, 6 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at The Manor at Seneca Hill, Oswego)
April 23, 3 p.m.: Open to spousal caregivers (regularly meets at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Clay)
April 27, 7 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at First Universalist Church of Central Square)
April 28, 2 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Cortland-Chenango Rural Services, Cincinnatus)
April 28, 4:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Northern Regional Ctr. for Independent Living, Watertown)
April 28, 5:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Clayton)
April 28, 6:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Manlius Public Library, Manlius)
April 29, 1 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Brookdale Clinton)
April 30, 2 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Grace Chapel, Skaneateles)
May 5, 6 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Vestal Public Library, Vestal)
May 5, 6:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care, Canton)
May 6, 5:30 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Lifelong, Ithaca)
May 7, 1 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at The Hearth on James, Syracuse)
May 7, 2 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at Sts. Peter and John Episcopal Church, Auburn)
May 7, 4 p.m.: Open to all caregivers (regularly meets at The Parkway Center, Utica)
