Holmstad Helping Hearts offers support for family, caregivers dealing with Alzheimer's
Findings from an Alzheimer's Association survey released in June 2017 show that while 91 percent of survey participants agree it often takes a village to provide care for someone living with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, far too many caregivers are doing it on their own.
The survey found two out of three caregivers (64 percent) felt isolated or alone in their situation, and more than four in five caregivers (84 percent) would have liked more support with caregiving tasks, particularly from their family. The survey revealed the No. 1 reason people said they did not help with providing care for someone with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia was they felt as if another family member had already taken on the responsibility (74 percent), followed by their not living in the same area (62 percent).
The Holmstad, a senior living community, is opening its doors and sharing its resources to help family members and caregivers address the challenges.
The Holmstad Helping Hearts, a free family and caregivers support group, meets from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month in the Town Center classroom at The Holmstad, 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia.
Registration is not required to attend the support group, but you must reserve a spot for your loved one requiring care by calling Brenda Lowden, RN, at (630) 879-4034 or emailing her at BJLowden@covenantretirement.org. The care is provided free of charge.
Licensed clinical social worker Jeanne Marie Snarich will lead group discussions that will include managing and coping with difficult behaviors; self-care and coping skills; safety issues; connecting with your loved one who has dementia; stress management; telling others about the diagnosis and establishing boundaries; holiday blues/grief and loss; and acceptance and letting go. Educational materials and referral services will be provided. Refreshments will be served.
About The Holmstad
The Holmstad is a faith-based, nonprofit, continuing care retirement community located at 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia, Ill. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, the nation's sixth largest nonprofit senior services provider. It serves 5,000 residents at 15 senior living communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on The Holmstad, call (877) 226-7310 or visit www.TheHolmstad.org.