Support available for family caregivers of people living with dementia

Dementia care throughout Western Home Communities focuses on creating moments of joy for the person living with a dementia diagnosis. 

For loved ones navigating the challenges dementia can bring into their lives, a support group helps them improve coping skills, reduce stress, connect with others in similar circumstances and realize they’re not alone.  

“We started this group shortly before the pandemic hit and it was a more structured program, with speakers and an educational component for in-person meetings,” says Hollie Beem, household coordinator at Thalman Square.  Then the group shifted to weekly Zoom meetings. “That actually works well because caregivers don’t have to leave their homes to attend.”  

This summer, caregivers and their loved ones have together attended monthly gatherings at the Prairie Parkway Garden behind the UnityPoint Clinic.  

“This is a more social, activity-based opportunity,” Hollie explains.  “We do a fun group activity and Rich Congdon offers a program about the current stage of the garden.” 

Rich, a villa resident, established the garden as a Lions Club project. He recently offered caregivers a separate evening meeting, where he made a meal with garden bounty and they discussed the importance of mindfulness and meditation in caregiving. The group then asked to keep having similar gatherings and they’ll do so in the winter months at a UnityPoint classroom. 

“This group needs to gather to share stories of caregiving and even cry about their challenges, and we can do this around a common bond of gardening,” Rich explains.

The support group for caregivers or loved ones of people living with dementia is open to all residents; it includes people caring for someone in their villa or apartment, or even having a spouse who has moved to a higher level of care.  

“The most important thing about it, I think, is that people realize they’re not alone in this,” Hollie says. 

If you want to join or get more information about this support group, call Hollie at 319-277-2141 or email hollie.beem@westernhome.org.

Tours at Prairie Parkway Garden are often one of the activities shared by caregivers and care receivers.