For those who have a family member battling Alzheimer’s Disease, life can feel pretty overwhelming and isolating. That’s why the Lubbock Alzheimer’s Association is preparing to offer support groups for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and/or Dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2015, more than 15-million caregivers provided more than 18-billion hours of care to loved ones battling the disease.
The new support group in Lubbock will meet on the second Tuesday of each month at the Rawlings Senior Center. It will be led by Lubbock resident, Del Wells. Del has been through the journey of Alzheimer’s Disease for many years. His wife battled Alzheimer’s for 6 years, and his mother and in-laws also suffered from the disease Del is now a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association.
“I learned that being a caregiver is the most difficult thing a person can face” Del said. “I believe I can help others facing these terrible situations”
Hannah Ives, the community outreach coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association in Lubbock, says the caregiver support groups provide a safe and confidential environment for caregivers.
“People can share their feelings, needs, concerns and methods of coping with one another,” Ives said. “It’s also a great way to learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. People need to know they are not alone.”
The support group provided by the Alzheimer’s Association in Lubbock will be held Tuesday, April 12th at 10:30 a.m. at the Rawlings Community Center at 213 40th Street. The will be hld every second Tuesday of the month, going forward.
For more information, visit www.alz.org or email Hannah Ives at hives@alz.org
(News release from the Lubbock Alzheimer’s Association)