“November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it,” as highlighted by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Their website adds, “There are several quick and easy ways you can help raise awareness, show support, and fight Alzheimer’s disease! Teal is the Alzheimer’s Awareness color of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). AFA uses teal because color psychology studies have shown it to be a calming color. This is helpful when designing and decorating spaces and events to be welcoming and comforting to those living with Alzheimer’s.”
At St. Francis, as part of the Pastoral Care Ministries, Kathleen Boaté coordinates the Alzheimer’s / Dementia Caregiver Support Group. Kathleen believes it is essential to highlight this group for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, “It is so important we reach as many people as possible because if people don’t need us today, someday they might or know of someone who could benefit from our group.” “The Alzheimer’s/Dementia caregiver support group is a passion of mine,” she says. “I am a retired Executive Director of Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities and a Dementia Specialist from the Alzheimer’s Foundation.” The challenge of being a caregiver has been personal for Kathleen as well, “I have experienced being a family caregiver as my mother had dementia.” She is a certified support group facilitator under the Alzheimer’s Association and the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, and the assistant facilitator, Marla Edelberg, was originally a member of this group. After Marla’s husband passed away, Kathleen asked if she wanted to continue with the group. Kathleen adds, “She is a retired social worker and has much to offer the group, especially her sense of humor, which we always need.” Marla is also experienced as a certified group facilitator.
“The caregiver support group at St. Francis is a positive outlet providing caregivers a regular time for social interaction outside of the home,” says Kathleen. “The group offers a safe place where any negative emotions about caregiving can be expressed and validated, feelings such as anger, frustration, and grief. We help participants feel like they are not alone.” The ministry is a safe environment for members to share, learn, obtain information, and hopefully laugh. “Support groups also help caregivers maintain balance by doing something for themselves instead of always caring for their loved ones,” adds Kathleen.
Caregivers gather ideas on how others deal with the everyday challenges of caring for a loved one during each stage of dementia. They can help others new to caregiving by offering tips on what has and hasn’t worked well for them. In addition, as the group facilitator, Kathleen emails additional information on topics discussed at the meeting after they finish.
The ministry support group is listed on two websites: the Alzheimer’s Association local chapter and the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina. Kathleen emphasizes, “It is important to reach as broad an audience as possible. Everyone knows someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.” While it is unusual for a ministry to be listed, persons struggling with a loved one with dementia often go to these websites for information. That is where they will find our group.” Even though it is a ministry at St. Francis, Kathleen wants everyone to know they are open to all. “This is a non-denominational group, and everyone is welcome. We do a prayer at the beginning and end of each meeting because we all need our faith to carry us on this journey.” This is not the type of ministry that parishioners can ‘join’ to provide assistance,” adds Kathleen. “This group only requires a trained facilitator, and we give that resource to those interested. If they are providing care for someone with dementia, then they are most welcome.”
“The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group will walk with you through your caregiving journey,” she says. “We are a group of caregivers on the same journey at different levels, coming together to share our emotions and stresses, yet always able to find humor. Our meetings are a safe place to cry, laugh, share, ask questions, and support each other.” The group meets the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi in The Padua Room.
Alzheimer’s and dementia are cruel diseases that can rob families of their loved ones and cause tremendous frustration and emotions. We all need to be able to ask for help and get support from those going through similar experiences, which can provide vital advice and guidance to help navigate these challenges. Remember, you are not alone! Wear teal during November to encourage those supporting someone with the disease and to raise awareness that there are resources to help.
