Caregivers and family members affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia gathered again Thursday, April 23, at Minden Medical Center for the second meeting of a new monthly support group designed to offer education, encouragement, and connection.
Hosted through Freedom Behavioral Hospital, the Alzheimer’s support group meets at 2 PM on the fourth Thursday of each month in the hospital cafeteria.
Speaking about why the group was created, Social Services Director Nakia Thomas said simply, “There was a need.”
“We received training from the Alzheimer’s Association and became certified as volunteers,” Thomas said. “We also got input from The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center regarding support groups.”
Thomas said organizers recognized that many local caregivers were facing the daily realities of memory-related illnesses without a strong network of support or access to practical information.
One participant, Beverly Wilson, said the meetings have already proven helpful.
“I received a lot of information,” Wilson said.
She spoke highly of the books available to participants, especially “Caring for a Person with Memory Loss and Confusion.”
“It’s always good to have people who can relate,” she said.
Wilson said the group discussion allowed everyone to participate and receive meaningful feedback. She especially appreciated getting answers to questions surrounding care for her mother.
“We were all wondering what comes next and what we should expect,” Wilson said. “I was impressed, which is why I’m back for the second one.”
Wilson said one of the biggest difficulties caregivers face is simple exhaustion.
“I feel exhausted, like there’s not enough time in the day,” she said. “You get overwhelmed. It’s a lot.”
Asked what she would say to someone hesitant about attending, Wilson offered direct encouragement.
“You need to come,” she said. “You’re doing it for you.”
Another participant, Sheila Handly, also urged others to give the group a chance.
“Take a chance and try it. Just attend and plan to listen,” Handly said. “I attended my first meeting and did not feel pressured to talk or share my story. I just started off listening and eating some great snacks.”
Handly said hearing from both experienced caregivers and engaged local professionals has made the meetings especially valuable.
“This group has people who have been caregivers, and they have personal stories,” she said. “Hearing from a local team that is involved and engaged in the community makes all the difference. It’s a personal touch that makes it more of a comfortable environment.”
For Handly, one of the most significant challenges in caregiving is isolation.
“It can feel lonely if you don’t have support,” she said.
She also pointed to lack of education, limited knowledge of resources, and not having someone with shared experiences to talk to as common struggles.
“You get physically and emotionally tired and drained caring for your loved one,” Handly said. “It helps to hear from others and know you are not alone.”
Thomas said organizers are able to connect participants with professional resources while also fostering the positive outcomes that come from shared experiences among caregivers facing similar situations.
For more information, contact Nakia Thomas at (318) 371-5649 or by email at [email protected].