Support Groups
Families caring for patients often find it helpful to share their
experiences and thoughts in a group setting. Support groups provide
an opportunity for family members to come together with others in
similar situations. Strategies on providing care can be exchanged
in a group, problems can be discussed, feelings can be aired, and
medical information or research on Alzheimer's disease can be discussed.
More recently, support groups are also being offered for patients
in the early stages of the illness. To find out whether support
groups like this exist where you live contact the Alzheimer's Association
which can link you to your regional Alzheimer's Association Chapter.
If you are residing in the Chicagoland area, there are numerous
support groups you can attend that are sponsored by Northwestern
University:
Northwestern Sponsored Support Groups
In affiliation with the Alzheimer's Association-Greater Illinois
Chapter
Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver Support Group
Meets the 1st Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m.
For further information contact: Dani Jachino at 312-861-2137
Alzheimer's Disease Spousal Support Group
Meets the 4th Monday of every month, 10:00 a.m.
For further information contact: Helene Raidl at 312-695-4525
Early Stage Support Group for
Diagnosed Individuals and Their Family Members
Two 12-week sessions.
For further information contact: Darby Morhardt at 312-908-9432.
Early
Stage Support Group Member Interviewed in NurseWeek - November
7, 2003
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is a national network of chapters that
provides information about Alzheimer's Disease for the patient,
the caregiver, family and friends, and professionals. Along with
publishing numerous resources that are easily available to the public,
the Alzheimer's Association also has many programs dedicated to
assisting the community and those individuals with Alzheimer's Disease.
Such programs include community support groups, The Helpline, Safe
Return, and the Benjamin B. Green-Field Library and Resource Center.
Alzheimer's Association-National Office
www.alz.org 800-272-3900
Alzheimer's Association-Greater Illinois Chapter
www.alzheimers-illinois.org
847-933-2413
Helpline
The Helpline is a toll free number that is set-up to answer your
phone calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Helpline can be a
means of support, access to community services and information,
your Alzheimer's Association chapter information, and tips on caregiving.
To talk with an individual at the Alzheimer's Association Helpline,
please call 1-800-272-3900.
Safe Return
Safe Return is a nationwide identification, support and information
program. It registers your loved one into a national database and
assists in locating the individual if they are to become lost or
wander. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Safe Return works in conjunction with your local police department
in order to identify and expidiate help if your loved one should
be lost. You can register for Safe Return by requesting a Safe Return
registration card from your local Alzheimer's Association, by calling
1-888-572-8566, or by visiting the Alzheimer's Association website
at www.alz.org.
Benjamin B. Green-Field Library and Resource Center
The Alzheimer's Association library and resource center offers
a multitude of information through books, journals, magazines, CD-ROM,
etc. The library assists in literature searches, responds to information
requests, and provides resources for people throughout the country.
The library and resource center also puts out a reading list of
recommended books on Alzheimer's Disease and related topics. To
find out if the Library has specific information that you are looking
for you can call them at 1-800-272-3900 or if you are in the Chicago
area 1-312-335-9602 or by visiting their on-line library catalogue
at www.alz.org.
Related Information
Resources
Adult Day Centers
Care Managers
Financial Assistance
Legal and Financial Information
Visit our Volunteer
For A Study page. If you would like to participate in a research
study and/or clinical trial, please contact us at 312-695-2343 or
by e-mail at CNADC-Admin@northwestern.edu
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