According to a March 2021 report by the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with some form of dementia. Having a loved one with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia can be extremely difficult, especially for those providing care at home.
“Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s can be a lonely, isolating responsibility,” said Toni Larson, director of social services for Perry Lutheran Homes. “At times it can also be physically and emotionally draining. Even if a you’re not in the caregiver role, having a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia can be emotionally devastating. And as dementia progresses, it may feel as if you’ve lost your loved one altogether, which can be traumatic, causing sadness and grief. We just want everyone to know that you don’t have to go it alone. We understand, and we’re here for you.”
Perry Lutheran Homes Alzheimer’s and dementia support group is free of charge and open to all community members. We encourage all loved ones and caregivers to join. In order to best support our loved ones, we must first understand the disease and prioritize taking care of ourselves.
Joining the Perry Lutheran Homes’ Alzheimer’s and dementia support group gives individuals hope, help and healing. Attending the once-monthly group:
- provides practical advice and information on Alzheimer’s and dementia,
- improves your coping skills,
- gives you a sense of control over your situation,
- helps build confidence in caregiving,
- gives you ideas on how to engage with your loved one,
- provides social interaction and friendship with people who understand and are going through a similar situation,
- offers a judgement-free place to share any and all emotions, such as frustration, anger and grief, and facilitates the healing process.
The support group meets monthly on the third Thursday of every month, and you can choose to attend at either 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. The group meets at the Eden Acres Campus of the Perry Lutheran Homes at 1300 28th St. in Perry. Attendees can park on the east side and enter through the main entry doors. Meeting dates in 2021 will be July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.
For more information, call or email Morgan Newell at 515-465-5342 or mnewell@perrylutheranhomes.org or Tiffany Hull at 515-465-5316 or thull@perrylutheranhomes.org.
Mollie Clark is the director of marketing for the Perry Lutheran Homes.
