Alzheimer’s Los Angeles Offers Virtual Support Group for Caregivers of LGBTQ Persons with Dementia (Second Monday of Each Month)
I was recently contacted by my friend Stephen Dolainski and made aware of the virtual support groups being offered by Alzheimer’s Los Angeles for caregivers of persons with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s. Steve was profiled in 2019 in Spectrum News for his experience with his lifelong friend Al. He’s a member of this virtual support group and we want to let any caregivers know it’s a vital source available for them, and they can join remotely via Zoom every second Monday of the month from wherever they live.
STUDIO CITY, Calif. — November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and allows us to honor the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s through advocacy for a cure, awareness, and education.
Al and Steve have been friends for 50 years—they’ve always been close. But after Al was diagnosed with being in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease two years ago, the dynamics of their friendship changed.
“Al was always my rock for 50 years, he was my rock,” Steve said. “I would always go to him when I needed some help, or something came up in my life. He was always the first person I would go to. Now the role is reversed, and I feel a responsibility to make sure that I’m doing everything I can do to make sure he is safe and looked after.”STUDIO CITY, Calif. — November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and allows us to honor the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s through advocacy for a cure, awareness, and education.
Al and Steve have been friends for 50 years—they’ve always been close. But after Al was diagnosed with being in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease two years ago, the dynamics of their friendship changed.
“Al was always my rock for 50 years, he was my rock,” Steve said. “I would always go to him when I needed some help, or something came up in my life. He was always the first person I would go to. Now the role is reversed, and I feel a responsibility to make sure that I’m doing everything I can do to make sure he is safe and looked after.”
About the LGBTQ Dementia Care Partner Support Group
This support group is for those providing care for their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, or are LGBTQ themselves. This group meets the 2nd Monday of each month from 4:00-5:00pm PST. The first meeting was held on July 12th.
For information on how to join, contact Anne Oh: aoh@alzla.org, 323-930-6271
Virtual Support Group FAQs
In response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, we are now offering virtual support groups! Support groups are offered for caregivers, as well as family and friends, of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Our support groups offer a safe place to talk through challenges, share feelings and concerns, and learn about resources that are available. The virtual groups are held using Teams, and participation is free and easy. Attendance may be done so via either telephone (voice only) or video call.