About Alzheimer's Support Groups in Idaho

Alzheimer's support groups are a critical resource for people living with Alzheimer's, adult children of Alzheimer's patients and caregivers. A support group provides a forum for meeting others in the community who are also living with the disease, offering much-needed emotional support as well as access to community resources and the latest research. In Idaho, a variety of support groups operate under the umbrella of the Alzheimer's Association's Greater Idaho Chapter.

History

• Based in Boise, Idaho, the Greater Idaho chapter of the Alzheimer's Association was founded in 1984 by families struggling to meet the ongoing challenges of coping with the devastating disease. Today, it serves Alzheimer's support groups in more than 35 counties statewide. The chapter's Idaho offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can contacted by phone [phone]) and email ([email protected]). Idaho's Franklin County is served by the association's Utah chapter.

Function

• The Idaho chapter's several support groups are located in different cities across the state. The groups provide free family consultations and orientations for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, as well as their families and friends.
  The groups have free, confidential meetings every month at various venues such as senior centers, churches and the Alzheimer's Association Conference Room. A listing of all the support groups is available on the chapter's website (see Resources below), so you can conveniently locate and join the one nearest to you that meets your needs.

Features

• The Idaho chapter manages a 24-hour information help-line (800-272-3900) that is available to provide a valuable resource to its support groups. Trained professionals answer questions, give care tips, provide referrals for local community resources and other information callers may need. Idaho Alzheimer's support groups get even more information from the Idaho chapter's free newsletter, which provides up-to-date information on current Alzheimer research and advocacy, articles on the care and management of the disease, lifestyle changes and listings of local resources and referrals. The newsletter includes the latest chapter news, upcoming education programs and scheduled trainings to keep support groups up-to-date.

Benefits

• The chapter's services include education workshops and an annual education conference that are provided free of charge to members of its support groups. The workshops are tailored for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, their family members and the general public. The programs cover the basics on the care and management of the disease, maintaining brain health and other issues pertaining to the care and support for all who are affected by Alzheimer's.

Considerations

• It also conducts professional training programs for certified caregivers, to provide continuing education that builds on their knowledge and skill. The caregiver training is conducted at the Alzheimer's Association office, on the third Tuesday of each month. Once every quarter, the trainings are conducted at locations other than the office. They are affiliated with the Safe Return program, which is dedicated to the safety of persons with Alzheimer's disease and their timely return in the event that they wander away and get lost.