Caregivers often have overwhelming responsibilities assisting their loved ones in doing the most basic tasks while handling their own lives. To provide education and a venue to discuss challenges and helpful strategies, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging offers a variety of free virtual dementia caregiver support groups. Topics include: communication techniques, caregiver support, benefits of activities, family dynamics and safety issues. The groups meet at various times to make it easier for more people to participate.
One-time registration is required; call 1.855.HHC.HERE/ 1.855.442.4373. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual group.
1st Tuesday of every month (May 4), 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, certified dementia specialist.
2nd Wednesday of every month (May 12), 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist.
2nd Wednesday of every month (May 12), 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, certified dementia specialist. This group is associated with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter and is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Southington Care Center.
3rd Monday of every month excepting holidays (May 17), 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, certified dementia specialist. This group is coordinated with the Berlin-Peck Library and sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.
New: Younger Onset Dementia Caregiver Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of every month (May 19), 8:00 to 9:00 p.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist.
Last Monday of every month (Not being held in May), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist. This group is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Duncaster.
Call-in Dementia Caregivers Support Group – Held every Friday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., facilitated by a dementia specialist. Registration is not required. To join Hartford HealthCare’s Virtual Meeting Room, call: 860.972.6338 and when prompted, enter the access code 19623#.
A Facebook group specifically for caregivers of older adults, including those with dementia, is available, facilitated by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Concerns might include behavior changes, transition of care to assisted living, home healthcare, community services or end-of-life planning. Facebook Live sessions on important topics are also presented regularly. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging professionals provides helpful answers and resources to support users in their caregiving roles.
For more information, call Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging at 877.424.4641 or search “Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Support Group” on Facebook and request to join.
Memory Café, a free socialization group for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, virtually “meets” every Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is intended to be a welcoming place for individuals and their families with a shared experience. A dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging leads the group.
One-time registration is required; call 1.855.HHC.HERE/ 1.855.442.4373 or visit www.HHCHealth.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.
May 4 and 18, Tuesdays, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. -- The Chase Family Movement Disorders Center and Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging are offering a caregiver support group for individuals who care for people with movement disorders and other neurodegenerative conditions. This free support group is offered on. Each session spotlights a different caregiver/care-partner topic and begins with a brief clinician-led presentation. Facilitators are Amanda Brill, LCSW, at the Chase Family Movement Disorder Center, and Jennifer McCaughey, MS, resource coordinator, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.
For more information, call Amanda Brill at 860.696.4653, or Jennifer McCaughey at 860.696.4623.
Memory loss is not unusual as people age. And forgetting someone’s name or an appointment does not mean an individual has Alzheimer’s disease. There are other factors – including medications – that can contribute to memory loss or confusion.
Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is offering free virtual memory screenings that can be scheduled at a person’s convenience. These confidential memory screenings average 20 minutes and consist of five questions to assess memory. These screenings are not a diagnosis but can indicate if someone should follow up with a full medical exam.
Memory screenings can be the first step to diagnosis for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; who believe they are at risk due to a family history of dementia; or who want to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons. Early detection of memory loss can help physicians more effectively treat cognitive impairment and possibly slow down changes in the brain.
For more information or to schedule a virtual memory screening, call Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, 1.877.424.4641.
Due to the pandemic, Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice transitioned its bereavement support groups to a virtual format. To participate, email the facilitator associated with the day and time and participants will receive the Zoom information for joining the meeting. Registration is only required once. There is also a call-in bereavement group.
Days and times available are:
1st and 3rd Mondays of the month (May 3 & 24), 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Nichol Burris; email nichol.burris@hhchealth.org.
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month (May 12 & 26), 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Bill Pilkington; email bill.pilkington@hhchealth.org.
2nd and 4th Fridays of the month (May 14 & 28), 11:00 a.m. to noon. “Metamorphosis: Honoring the Sacred Journey of Grief.” Facilitator is Jennifer Johnson; email Jennifer.johnson@hhchealth.org.
Call-in bereavement group - Thursdays, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. To join, call 860.972.6338 and when prompted, enter access code 22528#.