Virtual support groups

Dementia can leave people living with dementia and their care partners feeling isolated – but you don’t have to face it alone. Join a virtual support group and connect with other people on the dementia journey.

new caregiver support group starting on october 25

Virtual caregiver support group

Supporting someone living with dementia takes a lot of effort. It is important and meaningful work but can also be demanding and stressful. Our virtual caregiver support group is for people caring for someone living with dementia – including spouses, parents, family or friends. 

Caregivers tell us our support groups help them:

  • Decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Build friendship and community with others affected by dementia.
  • Learn and share practical tips for coping with changes in behaviour and communication.
  • Encourage one another to actively engage in protecting and maintaining their physical and emotional health.
  • Express feelings and be reassured that these feelings are normal.

The virtual caregiver support group is facilitated by Society staff, with each session typically focused on a particular theme, including:

  • What is dementia?
  • Communication
  • Behaviour changes
  • Planning for holidays 
  • Guilt and grief

Virtual caregiver support group start date:

  • First meeting date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023 (meets every fourth Wednesday of the month)
  • Time: 2 p.m. (for 90 minutes)
  • Platform: Zoom

For more information or to register, call the First Link® Yukon Dementia Helpline at 1-888-852-2579.

Virtual early-stage support group for people living with dementia

Having a diagnosis of dementia affects many areas of your life and you experience a variety of feelings. 

The reality of the disease can make it difficult to stay in touch with friends and family, leading to loneliness and isolation. 

Support groups can be: 

  • An opportunity to build friendships with other people with similar experiences. 
  • A place to express feelings and be reassured that these feelings are normal and expected. 
  • A place to find a positive outlook on things without being misunderstood. 
  • A chance to regain some control in the face of a disease that cannot be controlled. 
  • A place to find a sense of hope. 

By joining the early-stage support group, people living with dementia can experience and learn from one another how to live well with the disease, share laughter and mutual understanding, as well as tips and strategies for coping with the changes connected with dementia.

The virtual early-stage support group will be facilitated by Society staff, with each session typically focused on a particular theme, including:

  • Dealing with diagnosis
  • Maintaining independence
  • How dementia affects your senses
  • Stigma and advocacy

Virtual early-stage support group start date:

  • First meeting date: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 (meets every fourth Wednesday of the month)
    Note: The December session will take place on December 6.
  • Time: 10 a.m. (for 90 minutes)
  • Platform: Zoom

For more information or to register, call the First Link® Yukon Dementia Helpline at 1-888-852-2579.

Regardless of where you live in the Yukon, you are welcome to join the virtual support groups and access our services in a way that suits your needs.

Our support group is based on an Information and Mutual Aid model. This means that you can expect to benefit from reliable information provided by Alzheimer Society staff, and from the wisdom and experience of other group members who are also facing the illness.

Read more about the Information and Mutual Aid Model.