A monthly support group has returned to Stonewall for the first time since 2020.
Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, in partnership with South Interlake 55+, is offering a monthly meeting geared for individuals caring for someone with dementia.
The support group offers care partners the chance to meet and share information about their experiences of caring for a person living with dementia.
Samantha Holland, First Link regional team lead with Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, said folks have been requesting the support group for care partners in Stonewall for a long time. They’ve been trying to revive the group since it paused during the pandemic.
“I had started a monthly group during the daytime at the hospital when I started in 2019 and we met faithfully every month until March 2020. While a few chose to transition to our virtual offerings, others could not or had lost their spouses,” she said.
“This new offering will be the same safe space for those caring for someone living with dementia, though in the evening and in a new location.”
The new rendition of the group meets the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at South Interlake 55+ seniors’ centre (374 1st St. West). The first meeting was May 21, and the next one is set for June 18.
“The group is geared towards any individual caring for someone living with dementia, whether that is your parent, your spouse, sibling or a close friend,” Holland said.
“Participants are encouraged to share as much or as little as they are comfortable with and can gain new tips and strategies from others who understand what they are going through.”
The dementia journey can be long, unpredictable and isolating at times, she adds.
“Support groups offer a space in which feelings are common, both tears and laughter are OK, and where everyone leaves feeling less alone than before. Bringing a group like this back to Stonewall is important so that people have support close to home in the community that dementia may, at times, keep you from participating in,” Holland said.
“We have groups in rural communities across Manitoba and in each there are friendly faces, people you may not have known were having a hard time but are now a part of your support network. It truly does take a village — and a support group helps you build that.”
When it comes to being involved in a support group, the benefits abound.
“Participants often leave with new tools and resources to explore, friends to connect with and the general understanding that they are not alone, despite how it may feel,” Holland said.
“Support groups also offer the care partner time away from the person they care for and a chance to unwind with others who just get it.”
Stonewall resident Al Heinrichs attended the support group prior to the pandemic and continued to be involved with the virtual meetings while they were offered. His wife, Ann, had been living with Lewy Body dementia. She died in February 2022.
“I had her home for a touch over 10 years. The idea of going to a support meeting, I resisted it at first. But I found that the support group is amazing on a few counts,” Heinrichs said.
“You’re in a setting where others are also going through issues — not necessarily the same because everyone’s unique. Not only are you able to open up and share, but you have people that are actually willing to listen. They’re listening because maybe there’s something there that can add value to their lives and help them out. Everybody has the chance to share.”
Now that the local meetings have resumed in person, Heinrichs is pleased to start attending again.
“I’m dealing with grief because my wife has passed away. I’m also dealing with my mother, who is 102 and lives in a PCH,” he said.
“The support group is amazing. It’s for anybody that’s dealing with a challenging situation.”
And the new setting at South Interlake 55+ offers an ideal space for the support group.
To get the group up and running again, representatives from Alzheimer Society of Manitoba approached the team at South Interlake 55+ to gauge their interest in becoming the new host site for the group.
Deborah Hildebrandt, executive director of South Interlake 55+, said they’re happy to host the monthly support group.
“We were very excited about this opportunity to host the Alzheimer Manitoba monthly support group. This support group, which meets monthly the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30, is important for the community whose family members are living with Alzheimer disease,” Hildebrandt said.
“This support group provides connection with others to gain support and share experience in caring for someone living with dementia. As an organization, we are delighted to provide this type of opportunity for our community.”
Alzheimer Society of Manitoba has partnered with several other seniors’ centres to offer groups like this one, and they’ve found success in bringing support to spaces that are already viewed as safe within communities.
“Age being the biggest risk factor for dementia, we know that those 55 and over are going to make up the largest portion of our client base already, so why not bring a group right to them?” Holland said.
“Someone who is looking to join our support group can expect a safe and confidential space to share, listen and exchange ideas with others who just get it.” The support group facilitators are Alzheimer Society staff or volunteers who have extensive knowledge about dementia care. They help guide conversation, answer questions and provide one-on-one support between meetings.
“For those who may be hesitant, all I can say is come and give it a try. We don’t expect folks to open up and feel at ease in sharing during their first meeting, though we often see that happen naturally once they see that there are others who can relate to their experiences,” Holland said.
“Just to see a room full of nodding heads is validation enough to keep people coming back month after month.”
Anyone who would like to register can contact Julia Jordan, Interlake-Eastern regional co-ordinator, at 204-943-6622 ext. 214 or email jjordan@alzheimer.mb.ca. “Once we have your name and contact information,” Holland said, “you are welcome to attend the monthly meetings as able.”
