No one should have to experience the dementia journey alone.
Residents of the Cowichan Valley who are in the early stages of dementia can join a free support group. It’s part of the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link dementia support.
“Support groups are a great way to meet people who have similar experience,” says Jane Hope, the Society’s Support and Education coordinator for the Valley and the rest of the North & Central Island region. “It also allows them to express their feelings to people who understand what they’re going through.”
The goal is to help participants develop skills and strategies to cope with their situation. The group connects them to a community, in a safe environment where they can learn, laugh and help each other through mutual understanding.
The group meets on the second and fourth Friday of the month at 10 a.m. in Duncan. Pre-registration is required, by contacting 1-800-462-2833 or info.nanaimo@alzheimerbc.org.
If you are living with dementia or have questions, visit www.alzheimerbc.org and call the First Link Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 (English), 1-833-674-5007 (Cantonese and Mandarin) or 1-833-674-5003 (Punjabi).