Support group available for dementia patient caregivers

MOSES LAKE — Taking care of a family member with dementia issues, whether from Alzheimer’s Disease or some other medical issue, can be extraordinarily trying. For those in the area though, there is a support group available with people who know the trials of the situation, said Karisti Cox, community resources director for Summer Wood Alzheimer’s Special Care. 

“Everyone sits around a table and it’s specifically for caregivers,” Cox said. “... And it’s open to the public. We do have a format in the way that I like to always have something to stimulate the conversation.” 

The conversations at the support group allow those going through similar experiences to lift one another up. Because everyone at the group is caring for someone experiencing some form of memory loss and the behavioral and situational challenges that can cause, there’s a great deal of empathy created in the space. Currently, the small group of eight to ten people gathers the fourth Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. to share frustrations, victories and lend a shoulder to one another. The event is free and Cox said lunch is provided during the meetings held at the Best Western located at 3000 W. Marina Drive. She simply asks that those wanting to attend call ahead to RSVP by calling 509-764-1900 so she knows how many to accommodate.

“They don’t have to ask for me. They can just simply say, ‘Yes. My name is this and I’d like to attend this month’s meeting,’” Cox said. 

Cox said the support group is slowly growing and she is mindful of keeping groups small so that the personal connections remain firmly in place. As the group grows, she’ll look at the need to have more meetings to accommodate more people.

Cox said the meetings are more than just a bit of time having lunch with fellow caregivers. She also tries to incorporate some news in the mix. This may be news about new therapies or treatments or it may just be informational tips on how to manage care for the patient in someone’s life more easily. Even if the person at the support group get-together just has a brief break, that’s worth it, she said.

Those needing a break also have the option of respite care through Summer Wood, Cox said. There’s a seven-day minimum stay but the option allows caregivers to get a break or attend to business that needs to be taken care of. The main thing is just supporting the patients’ and their caregivers’ needs.

“It’s also secured, so it gives them an opportunity to get some rest and be able to do the things that they’d like to do for a little bit,” Cox said.

R. Hans “Rob” Miller may be reached at editor@columbiabasinherald.com.