For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Alzheimer’s caregiver support group will meet in a new location, beginning this month.

The group meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Thursday of the month. The new location will be at Hilltop Grand Village, 1400 24^th St. S. (Enter by Home Depot.)

The support group is for people who have a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s or other dementia or for anyone who wishes to learn more about it. There is a time for sharing. The group is sponsored through the Alzheimer’s Association. Go to alz.org to learn more.

If you need care for your loved one so you can attend, call 715-423-7400 to request free respite during the meeting.

For more information, call Mystique Macomber, co-facilitator of the Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, at 715-423-7400 or email [email protected].

Upcoming topics include:

• 9: Healthy living for brain and body. Learn about the latest research in the areas of diet, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement and learn how to incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging with Tasha Beestman of the Alzheimer’s Association.
• 14: Reducing fall risks. Age and Alzheimer’s can both increase the risk of falls. Ciara Schultz, Community Health Educator with the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin, will talk about fall risks and prevention, share details about the Stepping On program and provide a short balance exercise demonstration.
• 11: Dementia and driving. Unsafe driving may be an uncomfortable subject, but it’s even more important when the driver has dementia. We’ll talk about warning signs of when it might be time to stop driving and strategies to help the transition.
• 8: When bathing is a burden. A typical concern for many caregivers is bathing their loved one. Often, people with dementia resist bathing. We’ll discuss why it’s a concern and offer tips to ease the strain. Caregivers can ask questions and share ideas.