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benefits of Support Groups
support group for people with dementia

Finding out that a family member or friend has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia can be a very difficult experience. You may be going through a number of emotions — anger, frustration, sadness and grief. These feelings are normal.

Sometimes it is helpful to know that you are not alone, and to meet and share with others who may be experiencing the same things you are. Our support groups are facilitated by the Counselling Program staff.

Coffee Time for Caregivers

A four-week informal support group for family caregivers of people in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease who are participating in the Early Stage Support Group.

If interested in participating, please contact one of our counsellors at 416-322-6560, or email contact@alzheimertoronto.org

Please note: Pre-registration is required.

The facilitator will interview all potential group members.

Early Onset Family Support Group (before 65)

A support group for family caregivers of individuals with early onset dementia (before age 65).

Caregivers will have a chance to share their experiences and learn new coping strategies from other caregivers.

This is an ongoing support group. If interested in participating please contact Xochil Amaya, Counsellor, at 416-322-6560 or xamaya@alzheimertoronto.org.

Please note: Pre-registration is required.

The facilitator will interview all potential group members.

Frontotemporal Dementia Family Support Group

A support group for family caregivers of individuals with Frontotemporal Dementia.

Caregivers will have a chance to share their experiences and learn new coping strategies from other caregivers. This is an ongoing support group.

If interested in participating please contact Eleni Siliverdis, Counsellor, at 416-322-6560, or esiliverdis@alzheimertoronto.org.

Please note: Pre-registration is required.

The facilitator will interview all potential group members.

Lewy Body Dementia Family Support Group

A support group for family caregivers of individuals with Lewy Body Disease.

Caregivers will have a chance to share their experiences and learn new coping strategies from other caregivers.This is an ongoing support group.

If interested in participating, please contact Jennifer Kivell, Counsellor, at 416-322-6560, or jkivell@alzheimertoronto.org.

Please note: Pre-registration is required.

The facilitator will interview all potential group members.

Living with Ambiguous Loss

As a family member caring for a person with dementia, you may find that you are experiencing ongoing stress and grief due to "ambiguous loss" — having a loved one both here and not here — physically present by psychologically absent. This four-week support group will provide you with an opportunity to explore this feeling of loss with counsellor Christine Leskovar and other caregivers.

If interested in participating, please contact Christine Leskovar by phone at 416-322-6560, or by email at cleskovar@alzheimertoronto.org

Please note: Registration is required.

The facilitator will interview all potential group members.

Men's Cooking Group

Men's Cooking Group is a FREE beginner's cooking class and support group for male partners and sons caring for someone with dementia.

In this class, participants will prepare a heart-healthy meal from beginning to end, which they can then take home to enjoy. All ingredients, utensils, and containers will be provided.

If interested in participating, please contact Eleni Siliverdis, Counsellor, at 416-322-6560, or esiliverdis@alzheimertoronto.org.

Please note: Registration is required.

The facilitator will interview all potential group members.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Caregivers — Effective Methods to Improve Your Health and Well-Being

Family members caring for a loved one with dementia are known to experience high levels of stress which can sometimes be associated with physical and emotional health problems. This workshop will teach you, as a family caregiver, effective and practical methods of coping with stress to improve your capacity to care for yourself, resulting in greater balance, and peace of mind.

Presenter:
Dr. Ellen B uchman, MD CCFP
Family Physician, Special Interest in Dementia

If interested in participating, please contact Eleni Siliverdis, Counsellor, at 416-322-6560, or esiliverdis@alzheimertoronto.org.

Vascular Dementia Family Support Group

A support group for family caregivers of individuals with Vascular Dementia.

Caregivers will have a chance to share their experiences and learn new coping strategies from other caregivers. This is an ongoing support group.

If interested in participating, please contact Amanda Schmukler, Senior Counsellor, at 416-322-6560, or aschmukler@alzheimertoronto.org.

Please note: Pre-registration is required.

The facilitator will interview all potential group members.