Spanish Action League to Host Group for Spanish-Speaking Caregivers
Following months of planning and training, the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter is proud to announce that it has launched a number of new support groups in the region. These include traditional caregiver support groups, as well as specialized groups for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and a Spanish language group.
“We have seen an increase in need for emotional support among Alzheimer’s caregivers in our community,” said Katrina Skeval, chief program officer for the Chapter. “What we have also heard is a need for individuals in the disease’s earliest stages to come together in a forum that is mutually supportive.”
New groups in Vestal and Whitesboro will join a group in DeWitt as monthly gatherings for both people with the disease and their caregivers. These groups, facilitated by trained staff and volunteers of the Alzheimer’s Association, are structured so that individuals with dementia and their caregivers meet in separate groups following a larger group discussion at the beginning of each meeting. Advance screening is recommended for the person with dementia prior to attending an early-stage support group by calling (315) 472-4201.
The Chapter has also partnered with the Spanish Action League in Syracuse, or La Liga de Acción Hispaña, to provide a support group for Spanish-speaking caregivers. The group will meet at the Spanish Action League’s Syracuse office, 700 Oswego St., on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
“We strive to be a diverse and inclusive organization,” Skeval said. “It was clear that the need existed for Spanish speakers to have a caregiving forum, and could not have found a better partner than La Liga.”
All support groups are free of charge to attend and facilitated by trained individuals. For more information, call 1-800-272-3900 or email cny-programs@alz.org.
Upcoming meetings include:
DeWitt
Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church
5299 Jamesville Rd.
3rd Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Katrina Kapustay, Ellen Somers, Ann Page and Casey Mars, (315) 472-4201
Jan. 18 and Feb. 15
Chenango County
Norwich
United Church of Christ, First Congregational
11 W. Main St.
3rd Thursday, 6 p.m.
Facilitators: Dianne Antaya and Christina Reap
Jan. 19 and Feb. 16
Madison County
Canastota
Madison County Office for the Aging
138 Dominic Bruno Blvd.
3rd Friday, 10 a.m.
Facilitator: Antonia Canuso-Reiner
Jan. 16 and Feb. 20
Cazenovia
Community Resources for Independent Seniors
Cherry Valley Professional Plaza, 2662 Rte. 20 East
2nd Wednesday, 6 p.m.
Facilitators: Karen Clark and Jacki O’Brien-Gerace
Jan. 11 and Feb. 8
Oneida County
Clinton
Brookdale Clinton
115 Brookside Rd.
Last Wednesday, 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Sheila Burth
Jan. 25 and Feb. 22
Rome
Rome Memorial Hospital
1500 James St., Room 101
2nd Tuesday, 5 p.m.
Facilitators: Paulette Nickerson and Michele Silvestri
Jan. 10 and Feb. 14
Onondaga County
Baldwinsville
Baldwinsville Methodist Church
17 W. Genesee St.
2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Eileen & Mike Krupka and Don Broska
Jan. 10 and Feb. 14
Liverpool
St. Joseph The Worker Church
1001 Tulip St., 2nd Floor Library
2nd Saturday, 11 a.m.
Facilitators: Florence Felt and Skip Collins
Use rear entrance of church
Jan. 14 and Feb. 11
Manlius
Manlius Public Library
1 Arkie Albanese Way
4th Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Facilitator: Claire Duffy
Jan. 24 and Feb. 28
North Syracuse
NOPL North Syracuse
100 Trolley Barn Lane
3rd Tuesday, 3:15 p.m.
Facilitator: Ann Page
Jan. 17 and Feb. 21
Skaneateles
Grace Chapel
1674 U.S. Route 20
Last Thursday, 2 p.m.
Facilitator: Trudy Scarr
Jan. 26 and Feb. 23
Syracuse
The Centers at St. Camillus
813 Fay Rd.
3rd Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Mary Ellen Steele and Faith Stopyro
Jan. 17 and Feb. 21
The Hearth on James
830 James St.
1st & 3rd Thursday, 1 p.m.
Facilitator: John Ryan
Jan. 5 and 19, Feb. 2 and 16
Spanish Action League
700 Oswego St.
1st Wednesday, 6 p.m.
Facilitator: Luma Trilla
Spanish language support group
Jan. 4 and Feb. 1
Syracuse V.A. Hospital
800 Irving Ave., Room B905
1st Wednesday, 1 p.m.
Facilitators: Louise Choroser and Eileen Welch
Non-Veterans Welcome
Jan. 4 and Feb. 1