Support groups
Dementia can leave those with the disease and their care partners feeling isolated. However, you are not alone. There are other people to share the journey with you. Learn about the Family Caregiver and Early Stage support groups we offer across B.C.
We are currently offering a small selection of in-person support groups for caregivers and people living with dementia around the province. Space is limited but if the in-person programs are full, we will put you on a waitlist for more in-person support groups starting in January 2022. We will continue to add new groups based on your interest. To register or learn more about these in-person support groups, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to learn more about our COVID-19 safety protocols for our in-person events.
Virtual support groups (for caregivers)
For people caring for someone living with the disease – spouses, family or friends – a caregiver support group offers the chance to:
- Exchange information and friendship with others affected by dementia.
- Access the most current information provided by the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
- Learn and share practical tips for coping with change.
- Decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Express feelings and be reassured that these feelings are normal.
Virtual support groups for caregivers meet monthly for 90 minutes. You have the option to join by video or by phone. Regional and provincial groups are available across the province, including specialized groups for:
- Chinese families (Cantonese and Mandarin-speaking options available)
- South Asian families (Punjabi and Hindi-speaking)
- Adult children
- Caregivers of a person living in long-term care
- Caregivers of a person living with young onset dementia
- Caregivers of a person living with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD)
- Caregivers of a person living with Lewy Body dementia
- LGBTQ2S+ caregivers
For more information or to register for a virtual support group, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 or see the First Link® Bulletin for a list of days and times available.
Virtual groups for people living with early symptoms of dementia
We offer two types of groups:
- Coffee & chat groups provide an opportunity for people living with early symptoms of dementia to socialize, share experiences, laugh and enjoy the company of others who are living the dementia experience. You are invited to make yourself comfortable, grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us virtually to say ‘hello.’
- Early-stage support groups provide a place for people living with early symptoms of dementia to come together with others also living the dementia experience and discuss the impact of the disease, share stories, experiences and learn from one another about how to live well with dementia.
Read more about groups for people living with early symptoms of dementia.
Information and Mutual Aid Model
Our support groups are 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.