PLATTSBURGH — Nearly 60% of dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative offers a variety of free support services to reduce stress for local caregivers, including support groups, wellness programs and educational resources. Research shows that caregiver social support groups significantly help relieve the burden of caregiving.
ADCSI is reminding caregivers of some common warning signs of stress during Mental Health Awareness Month.
– Increased sense of anxiety
– Fatigue and sleeplessness
– Overeating or undereating
– Lack of motivation or focus
Support groups offer a welcoming environment for caregivers to share their personal experiences and take comfort alongside fellow caregivers who share tips and are experiencing similar challenges with their loved ones. ADCSI’s support groups are offered in the following six counties:
– Clinton County: First Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m. at CVPH Medical Center (Auditorium C) in Plattsburgh
– Essex County: Fourth Monday of the month, 6 p.m. at Wilmington Community Center in Wilmington
– Franklin County: Third Wednesday of the month, 12 p.m. at the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Office for the Aging in Akwesasne and at 2 p.m. at the ADCSI office located at 155 Finney Blvd, Suite 2 in Malone. The support group in Malone is offered in a hybrid format with a virtual option
– Hamilton County: Second Tuesday of the month, 2 p.m. at Indian Lake Public Library in Indian Lake
– Warren County: First Wednesday of the month, 12:30 p.m. at The Glen at Hiland Meadows in Queensbury and on the third Monday of the month, 3 p.m. at Queensbury Senior Center
– Washington County: First Wednesday of the month, 1:30 p.m. at Greenwich Free Library in Greenwich
ADCSI support groups are also offered virtually on the second Monday of the month at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is required and RSVPs should be directed to the following:
– Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties: Brooke Dubuque of the Alzheimer’s Association at 518-915-3115 or bmdubuque@alz.org.
– Hamilton, Warren and Washington Counties: Lindsay Stanislowsky of the Alzheimer’s Association at 518-888-5368 or listanislowsky@alz.org.
For more information on ADCSI’s support services, visit wehelpcaregivers.com.