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Because caring for someone with dementia is less difficult when the concerns are shared, the Alzheimer's Association sponsors support groups in the Texoma area. The goal of the groups is to provide a safe setting for caregivers to share their triumphs, their concerns, their hopes and their needs. Health care professionals who have been specially trained by the Association facilitate the groups.
The groups are designed as an opportunity for family, friends, care providers and others to meet regularly for mutual emotional support. They may also exchange care ideas and coping skills with one another about Alzheimer's Disease. The Alzheimer's Association has groups that meet in the morning, afternoon, evening and on Saturdays in order to accommodate the lives and schedules of caregivers. New groups are formed as existing groups begin to have over 12 at meetings and/or when 4 or more caregivers desire and will support a group in a given location, day and time.
Following are the general meeting places and times of existing Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Groups. Information is also provided concerning the schedule each group will be following during Summer 2008.
GRAYSON COUNTY
Denison Group -- meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month from 11 am to noon. Reba McEntire Rehab Conference Room, Dianna Niemann-Harris (903-416-1034)
MEETING AS USUAL SUMMER 2008
Sherman Group -- meets the 4th Thursday each month from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Behavioral Health Center, Chris Scotnick (903-416-3081)orRichard Grandy (903-416-3039.
NO MEETINGS JUN, JUL, AUG
NEXT MEETING SEP 25, 2008
Whitesboro Group -- meets from 3-4 pm every 4th Thursday at Whitesboro Rehab and Health, Nancy Sudderth (903-564-7900)
MEETING AS USUAL SUMMER 2008
Gunter Group -- meets at Gunter Medical Clinic from 3-4 pm the last Saturday each month. Dean Hill or Vickie Norris (903-443-2416)
NO MEETINGS JUN JUL AUG
SEP 27 MEETING - GUNTER MEMORY WALK
NEXT REGULAR MEETING OCT 25, 2008
FANNIN COUNTY
Honey Grove Group - meets quarterly at Honey Grove Nursing Center, for time and date of next meeting call Cindy Franklin (903-378-3393)
MEETING AS USUAL SUMMER 2008
Bonham Group - meets the 4th Monday of each month 1:30 to 2:30 pm in the nursing home building of Sam Rayburn Veterans Center, Amy Clark 903-583-6533
MEETING AS USUAL SUMMER 2008
COOKE COUNTY
LAKE KIOWA - Planning is in process to begin a Caregiver Group in Lake Kiowa Fall 2008. Contact Dianna.Niemann-Harris@alz.org or call 903-771-9471 if you are interested in this group.
Support groups create a sense of shared experience as members speak of their unique situations. Participants have a chance to talk and learn from each other. For many caregivers, group meetings are a needed break from 24/7 care and are chance to develop informal support.
All those who attend a group agree with each other that matters discussed in the meeting will not be shared outside the group. Conversations are often about how a family is reacting to Alzheimer's, financial concerns or medical conditions. These are not things easily shared and what is said in an Alzheimer's Association Support Group stays there.
These groups are free of charge and open to anyone who cares for or about someone with dementia. For more information on the support groups or any aspect of Alzheimer’s, please contact Texoma Family Services Manager Dianna Niemann-Harris or call our 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.