Local Support Groups: Resources For Seniors And Caregivers

Life is full of ups and downs. As you get older, you might feel like there are more low points than high points. Sometimes, it’s helpful to know you're not in the aging process alone by connecting with individuals with similar struggles through local support groups. The more support you have, the easier it is to see the joy and opportunities that come with age.

Senior Support Groups

Senior support groups are often small meetings of older adults who are going through challenging life experiences. The point of joining a support group is to connect with people who are on a similar journey and share advice and stories to help you navigate your own process.

• The Northern Arizona Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance offers monthly support groups throughout the week for individuals with dementia. Each group has a different purpose. Some are primarily centered around meeting other people with dementia, and others are for those caring for or who know someone with dementia. All of them are about learning from each other’s experiences with the goal of finding comfort and, hopefully, in time, healing.
• The Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center hosts various meetings and activities for seniors, including recreational meetings where seniors can meet other seniors in the Flagstaff community.
• The Cancer Support Community of Arizona provides free cancer support to uplift and strengthen individuals of all ages diagnosed with cancer. They also host uplifting events throughout the month to have fun and connect with other people experiencing similar cancer journeys.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter in Flagstaff offers various events throughout Arizona centered around mental health care, such as depression and PTSD. These events are open to people of all ages.

Caregiver Support Groups

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States. Many of these caregivers assist seniors with various health conditions that they’re not trained to handle. Support groups are a great place for caregivers to learn the tools they need to provide better care for their loved ones while also learning how to care for themselves.

• The Northern Arizona Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance offers monthly support groups for caregivers providing care for a loved one with dementia. Similar to their support groups for those with dementia, each meeting focuses on different themes or ideas. However, the overall mission of the group is to let caregivers know they’re not alone in their challenges.
• The Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) has a family caregiver support program that includes educational workshops and support groups for caregivers and loved ones living with seniors, such as an older spouse or sibling.
• The Arizona Department of Economic Security provides family caregiver support to individuals caring for a loved one with dementia or a neurological condition. The support services include group support, training, and individual counseling.

Support with Visiting Angels

One of the most important things to know as a family caregiver is that you’re not alone. At Visiting Angels, we offer specialized services to help families navigate the aging process. We offer dementia care, personal care for clients who require hands-on assistance, transitional care for seniors returning home after a hospital stay, and end-of-life care.

Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about at-home caregiving with Visiting Angels. Call 928-220-4100.