For the City Times

De-stress before the holidays

The holidays are coming. They can be stressful for anyone, any time, but they can be even more so for caregivers. Think about doing everything you want to do – or are expected to do – while also caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.

Don’t think too much or stress over it. Instead, come to the Nov. 10 Alzheimer’s caregiver support group. Tasha Beestman of the Alzheimer’s Association will be the guest speaker and talk about caregiver stress.

We meet at 9:30 a.m. the second Thursday of the month at the Aging & Disability Resource Center in Centralia Center. Join us for a time of sharing among caregivers after the guest speaker. We provide free refreshments. There is no cost to attend, and no reservations are necessary.

Call 715-423-7400 for information or to arrange free respite care for your loved one so you can attend.

The Dec. 8 meeting will be a holiday gathering with a time for visiting and sharing.

Memory cafe

Memory cafes are for people with early stage dementia, mild memory loss or cognitive impairment and for family and friends of those affected.

Join us at 10:30 a.m. Fridays, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2 at McMillan Library for lively discussion, refreshments, camaraderie and fun. For more information, call Karen Bradbury at 715-422-2795.

The Gilead Coffee House memory café is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Nov. 8 and Dec. 13 at First English Lutheran Church. Call 715-423-2840 for information.

For more information on any of these events, please contact Mystique Macomber, co-facilitator Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, at 715-423- 7400 or by way of email at mystique@hilltopaffiliatesinc.com.