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![]() Get the emotional support you needA support group is a regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gathering of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, family, friends or caregivers who interact around issues relating to dementia. Groups can have social, educational and/or support components and are facilitated by individuals who have received training from the Alzheimer's Association. We have many support groups throughout Illinois, at various times and locations. Check to see if there is a group close to you that fits your needs. If you prefer, call our 24-hour Helpline at 800.272.3900.. Select a city and county or enter a zip code and distance above. If too many responses display, narrow your search further. If too few, broaden your search. Please note that your results will appear in a new window. The purpose of Early Stage Support Groups is to provide a safe and supportive environment for people who are living in the early stages of dementia and their care partners. These groups offer dementia-related education, emotional support, and connections with resources. ALZConnected® (alzconnected.org), powered by the Alzheimer’s Association®, is a free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia, including:
Thank you for your interest in becoming an Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Facilitator. Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups are regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gatherings of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders, their family, friends, or caregivers. All Alzheimer’s Association support group facilitators attend a full-day training program that focuses on group dynamics, how to organize and sustain a successful support group, and Association policies and procedures. Please review STEPS 1 to 4 to help you decide if you want to apply. To apply for this training, the following steps must be compiled:
After you have completed the online application, you will be contacted within 7 business days to schedule a brief phone interview. After successful completion of the phone interview, you will be invited to a training in your area. The training is a one-day training held at one of our regional offices. We ask $40 to cover the cost of the background check and materials. If you have any questions, or if you submit your application and do not hear from us in 7 business days, please email Melissa Tucker at mtucker@alz.org.
Policy Statement: Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups The Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter strongly encourages support group facilitators to hold their groups in community-based and independent living settings (i.e., adult day services, libraries, houses of worship, senior and/or community centers, and independent living settings) rather than in licensed residential care settings (supportive living, assisted living, intermediate and skilled care facilities). There are several reasons for the Chapter’s stance on this issue:
However, the Chapter realizes that in some rural communities, licensed residential care facilities may be the best or only available location for a support group. If, after consulting with the potential facilitator the Chapter determines that a facility-based group is warranted, an exception may be made to allow the group to meet in a licensed residential care facility. However, the lead facilitator may not be an employee of the facility or of any program, service or corporate entity that is associated with the facility. A facility staff person may serve as a co-facilitator, but the Chapter will consider the non-staff facilitator to be the primary contact for the group. This assures continuity of the group if the staff-based facilitator should leave his/her position within the organization. In addition, the following criteria must be met:
The Chapter reserves the right to disaffiliate a group for noncompliance with the above conditions. The Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter very much appreciates the hard work and dedication of licensed care facilities, particularly those specializing in dementia care. The intent of this policy is to provide support group attendees, facilitators, and host sites alike with the most consistent and positive experience possible. |