Alzheimer's Family Support Group Meets
Kissimmee, FL: For families caring for someone with memory loss or Alzheimer's disease, life can be stressful and challenging dealing with the symptoms of these diseases. To assist families, the Alzheimer Resource Center, Inc. (ARC), the East Central Florida Memory Disorder Clinic (MDC) and the Osceola Council on Aging are collaborating their efforts by offering a Family Support Meeting the second Friday of each month at noon at the Barney E. Veal Center, 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee.

The goal for this group is to exchange ideas and learn from each other through sharing experiences, feelings, family interactions, and coping strategies. The sessions are co-facilitated by Martha Purdy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker of the ARC and Farah Sivolella, Gerontologist of the MDC.

"Our focus is on the 'forgotten victim', the caregiver - coping with isolation, depression, stress, guilt and much, much more due to this devastating disease," states Martha Purdy, group facilitator. "This Support Group is for caregivers and families caring for their loved one(s) affected by memory loss. The support group is an integral way for families to cope with the long and short term affects of this insidious disease." she continued.

The sessions provide insight and help for families experiencing difficult circumstances. Some simple suggestions are a part of the educational process for caregivers. "Keep everything as simple as possible," said Farah Sivolella, Executive Director of the MDC. "And don't get irritated when loved ones ask the same question over and over," continued Sivolella.

The sessions include a sponsored lunch and a quiet, private atmosphere to conduct the group program. For further information or to make a reservation for the Alzheimer's Family Support Group, please contact 800-330-1910, ext. 301.

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