FORT SMITH, Ark. — When a friend or a loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's, the caregiver is thrown into a challenge with a lot of questions and support groups are often their go-to place.
A relatively new support group is now available in the River Valley to help those struggling.
"Providing care for someone with dementia 24/7 is a lot and it can be very difficult for caregivers," said Louise Spaunhurst.
Louise Spaunhurst is the support group facilitator for River Valley Alzheimer's Support Group. She says the support group is very beneficial.
"People can come together and find out that their story really is pretty similar to someone else's story. I think that's the best thing that comes from a support group is that you do find out, you're not alone, there are other people dealing with the same kinds of issues," said Spaunhurst.
The support group meets the second Thursday of each month at the Blue Cross community room on Old Greenwood Road in Fort Smith. Meetings usually last about an hour starting at 4 p.m.
Spaunhurst says the main thing is to let others know it's okay to ask for help.
"What I have seen is when people come, they feel desperate. They've tried everything, and they're just really struggling, which is great. That's, the time to come. 'I don't need help. I can do this myself.' But in all reality, it does take a team to take care of someone, because there's got to be some downtime for that person," said Spaunhurst.
Spaunhurst says the worst thing a caregiver can do is think you can do this all by yourself.
"When you're caring for someone, you're on this journey, and we talk about that journey a lot. We can learn from each other because everyone that comes to the support group has knowledge. They've had experiences and they can share that with others," Spaunhurst explained.
For more information about dementia, Alzheimer's and support groups, click here.
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