Gathering with others to share similar experiences can provide solace and reprieve from difficult situations.

While caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can feel isolating, their are support groups available for caregivers which can help.

Two area Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York Chapter Caregiver Support Groups offer emotional, educational and social support during regular meetings.

Maggie Irwin, area support group facilitator, said the groups offer caregivers a safe place to share their frustrations, fears and triumphs.

“It’s a place for people to get things off their chest with people (who can relate),” Irwin said. “It’s all confidential and then they know that they are not alone. Sometimes, (caregivers) feel like they’re the only ones.”

The group members help facilitate healing and problem solving with each other, she added.

“The other group members are great at supporting one another. (The group facilitator) is just there to make sure everyone gets to talk,” she said.

Some caregivers are afraid to burden the group members with their thoughts and feelings, Irwin said, but that shouldn’t stop anyone.

“We just want people to know that’s why were here to help support others,” she said.

Kathy Moore, support group facilitator, said she experienced a support group first hand as a caregiver, and decided to help run one of her own.

“My husband had Alzheimer’s disease. We cared for him at home, and received hospice care,” she said. “He passed away three years ago, and after that, I decided I wanted to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Moore said she then began facilitating her care giver support group to encourage others.

“The group is a very enlightening situation for many people,” she said, adding that different individuals do different things during the group. ” Sometimes there are people who do come, and just listen. The groups tend to run themselves.”

Much of the time caregivers are encouraged to remember to take care of themselves as well, as that is necessary for all parties involved, Irwin said.

“I stress that a lot,” she said. “I do stress adult day care as well because I worked in one and I saw the impact. Not only does the patient get a break, but it’s good for the caregiver as well.”

Irwin said the groups don’t recommend specific service providers, or nursing care facilities.

Moore said it is also important to realize that Alzheimer’s disease has stages, but everything doesn’t follow an exact time line.

“There’s no one path because everyone is different,” she said. “Also, it isn’t a person just being crazy.”

Irwin said the support group can be a rejuvenating gathering for those who attend.

“I enjoy doing it because it’s helpful for people,” she said. “I hope it’s a little oasis.”

Currently, there are two caregiver support groups in the Jamestown area. One meets at the Jamestown Area Medical Associates building on 15 S. Main street on the second Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. The second group meets at Fluvanna Community Church on 3363 Fluvanna Avenue Ext. on the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Caregivers are encouraged to attend the group without their loved one to allow them to take a break, and take time for themselves.