Dementia Caregiver support groups

The following caregiver support groups are facilitated by Advocate Health associates, and are free and open to the public:

Caregiver Support Group

Open to all care partners. Meetings take place in-person at Advocate Older Adult Services (9375 Church St, Des Plaines, IL) on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 3:30 - 4:30 pm. Interested individuals should contact Mindy Haglund, MSW at mindy.haglund@aah.org or 847.296.0737.

Dementia Care Partner Support Group

For family and friends caring for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

Meetings take place via Zoom and in-person at Lutheran General Hospital (1775 Dempster St, Rm 1040A, Park Ridge, IL) on the 1st Friday of each month from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. Interested individuals should contact Danielle Dodson, MSW, LCSW at danielle.dodson@aah.org or 847.720.6458.

Dementia Related Loss Grief Support Group

A grief support group for those who have lost a loved one with dementia. Losing a loved one to dementia often bears many complications. Members will have a safe virtual environment to share (as you feel comfortable) and learn about your grief experience and how to process grief. We meet every 2nd Monday of each month from 2:00–3:30pm. Interested individuals should contact Shane Villanueva, MA, CGCS at 630.571.8603.

Lewy Body Dementia Care Partner Support Group

For family and friends caring for individuals diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

Meetings take place via Zoom on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. Interested individuals should contact Danielle Dodson, MSW, LCSW at danielle.dodson@aah.org or 847.720.6458.

Stroke Support Group

For stroke survivors and their families (caregivers) after stroke. Meetings take place via Zoom on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm. Interested individuals should contact Kate Murczek, RN at 708.684.5294 or their local stroke coordinator.

Young Onset Dementia Care Partner Support Group

For family and friends caring for individuals diagnosed with any form of dementia at or before age 65.

The Care Partner meeting is offered in a hybrid format, and can be attended either in-person (in Des Plaines, IL) or via Zoom on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. A concurrent meeting for those diagnosed with early stage Young Onset dementia is also offered (in-person only); a brief screening is required prior to participation in the group for diagnosed individuals. Interested individuals should contact Danielle Dodson, MSW, LCSW at danielle.dodson@aah.org or 847.720.6458.

To find other support groups in your area, please call Advocate Older Adult Services Information and Referral at 847.723.7770.

Additional support group referrals can also be provided by the Alzheimer's Association by calling their 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900 or by searching on their Community Resource Finder at www.communityresourcefinder.org.