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Library - Alzheimer's: What You Need To Know
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Support Programs
Circle of Friends Support Group
At Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI), we understand how difficult Alzheimer's disease and related dementias can be for patients and caregivers alike.
Many times, it can be very helpful to talk with others who are going through similar experiences.
Our support group is designed to help people (spouses, adult children, other family and friends) solve problems. Therefore, each session includes both education requested by the group and plenty of opportunity to explore solutions for problems encountered by caregivers. Our discussions are initiated by caregivers, who bring concerns and ideas they want to share. In collaboration with this caregiver support group, we offer "R.I.S.E. to Yoga" for people with dementia, allowing caregivers to bring their loved ones to enjoy their own group, which does not require registration but does include a $10 participation fee.
Details about the Circle of Friends Support Group:
- Cost: Free, no registration required
- When: Second Thursday of each month from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
- Where: BAI, 901 E. Willetta St., Phoenix, 3rd Floor Conference Room
- Information: Call (602) 839-6850
Caregivers Support Group for Adult Children
Adult children encounter unique issues when caring for a parent with Alzheimer's/dementia.
This group provides adult children the opportunity to discuss and find resolution to many common challenges experienced as a caregiver to a parent.
- Cost: Free, no registration required
- When: Last Tuesday of each month
- Time: 5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
- Where: BAI, 901 E. Willetta St., Phoenix, 3rd Floor Conference Room
- Information: Call (602) 839-6850
Men Who Care
BAI offers a support group for men who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or a related dementia. Join us monthly for a cup of coffee and participate in educational and problem-focused solutions geared to male caregivers.
- Date: First Wednesday of each month
- Time: 7:30 to 9 a.m.
- Place: BAI, 901 E. Willetta St., 3rd Floor Community Library
- Cost: Free, no registration required
- Information: Call (602) 839-6850
A Support Group for Families Affected by Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
People suffering with FTD are quite different from those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Families must cope with a person who behaves badly, doesn't benefit from the medications used in Alzheimer's disease, and who is a "poor fit" when enrolled in programs designed for people with Alzheimer's. FTD includes diagnoses such as Pick's disease, ALS with Frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive non-fluent aphasia, etc. Common symptoms displayed in FTD diagnoses include:
- Apathy
- Having poor judgment
- Obsessions
- Hyperactivity
- Loss of insight
- Losing a sense of remorse
- Loss of empathy and concern for others
- Lack of concern about personal care
- Changes in trying to speak
This group is facilitated by professional staff with expertise in FTD. Caregivers are able to share concerns, problem solve challenging situations and find possible solutions for getting help.
- Cost: Free, no registration required
- When: Second Tuesday of each month; 12:30 to 2 p.m.
- Where: BAI, 901 E. Willetta St., Phoenix, 3rd Floor Conference Room
