Alzheimer's Support Groups

Navigating the Night: Finding Calm in Chaos

Picture this: It’s 2 AM, and your loved one with dementia is wide awake, disoriented, and upset. You’re exhausted, emotionally drained, and unsure what to do next. After months of trying to balance caregiving with your own life, you realize—it’s time to get help. Not just any help, but assistance from people who truly understand dementia, who know how to de-escalate tough moments, and who can restore a sense of calm in your home. That’s where Right at Home comes in.

At Right at Home, we specialize in personalized, non-medical caregiving for individuals with dementia, offering practical solutions that ease the burden on families. Our caregivers aren’t just trained; they have the experience needed to navigate the nuances of dementia care. From managing combative behaviors to providing companionship and personal care, we offer tailored support that lets you breathe easier. Whether you need someone for a few hours a day or round-the-clock care, we are here to provide the assistance your family needs, right when you need it most.

Support That Fits: Care Tailored to Your Needs

But it doesn’t stop at in-home care. We’ve partnered with Palo Alto Commons and Avant, a leading community providing residential memory care services, to create a truly holistic approach to dementia support, combining their expertise with our specialized in-home services. This partnership ensures that no matter where your loved one is—at home or in a facility—they receive consistent, compassionate care. Together, we’re here to reduce the stress of transitions, lower hospital readmission rates, and make life smoother for everyone involved.

Our integrated care model works because it addresses the real challenges families face. Dementia doesn’t just affect the diagnosed individual; it impacts the entire family. That’s why we offer more than just caregiving. We guide families through the emotional and logistical aspects of dementia care, empowering you to make informed decisions while ensuring your loved one receives the best possible support.

Community Connections: Monthly Support Groups for Family Caregivers

To further assist families navigating these complexities, Right at Home and Palo Alto Commons and Avant are launching a monthly family caregiver support group beginning in October 2024. This initiative, "Navigating Dementia Together," will provide a platform for families to connect and gain insights from subject experts in the field of dementia care.

Each month, our support group will feature a different topic led by specialists who can provide valuable information and strategies for managing various aspects of dementia care. Topics will include:

1. Calm Amid Chaos: Handling Combative Behavior in Dementia
2. Heartfelt Connections: Emotional Resilience for Caregivers
3. Mind Over Matter: Understanding Medication Management
4. Memory Lanes: Navigating the Dementia Journey
5. Engagement Essentials: Activities to Spark Joy
6. Musical Memories: The Healing Power of Music
7. Plan for Tomorrow: Legal Considerations in Dementia Care
8. Compassionate Choices: Hospice Care for Dementia
9. Connecting the Dots: Enhancing Communication
10. Beyond Medication: Alternatives to Chemical Restraints
11. Juggling Acts: Balancing Roles as Caregivers
12. Teamwork Triumphs: Collaborating for Better Care Outcomes

Our mission is simple: to make dementia care manageable, compassionate, and effective. Families facing dementia often feel lost in the process, unsure of what steps to take or where to find the right support. That’s why we’ve created this support group—to give families the tools and insights they need to navigate the challenges with confidence.

Through our collaboration with Palo Alto Commons and Avant, we ensure that whether your loved one is at home or in a residential care facility, they are surrounded by a team that understands their needs and is committed to improving their quality of life.

We feel privileged to help families navigate the challenges of dementia. To learn more about our services or to join our Navigating Dementia Together support group, reach out to Right at Home at (650) 649-9160 or (650) 361-1265

Right at Home and Palo Alto Commons and Avant are excited to introduce a year-long series designed for families navigating the complexities of dementia care.  

Covering everything from disease understanding to emotional support, communication strategies, and hospice options, these sessions offer essential guidance at every stage. Whether your loved one is in a care facility or you're exploring next steps, you'll gain valuable insights to improve their quality of life and ease your caregiving journey. Right at Home will curate and moderate the series, ensuring meaningful and compassionate discussions. 

Session 1: October 11, 11:30 to 12:30pm

Calm Amid Chaos: Handling Combative Behavior in Dementia

Speaker: Pam Conlon-Sandhu RN, BSN, CRRN Director Client Services Agility Health

Learn effective techniques to manage and de-escalate combative behavior in dementia patients. This session offers practical tools for caregivers, emphasizing safety and empathy, ensuring families feel confident in managing challenging situations with grace and care.

Session 2: November 14, 10:30 to 11:30am 

The Heart of the Matter: Emotional Resilience for Dementia Caregivers

Speaker: Vanessa Souza, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Alzheimer's Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada  

Caring for someone with dementia is emotionally challenging. This talk focuses on building emotional resilience, managing caregiver stress, and maintaining well-being. Beneficial for caregivers and families who need emotional support and practical strategies for self-care.
 

Session 3: Dec 12, 11:30-12:30pm 

Mind, Mood, and Medication: Understanding the Balance in Dementia Care

Speaker: Dr Mehrdad Ayati, Director of the Geriatric Center

Delve into how medications impact mood and behavior in dementia patients. This session provides insights into managing symptoms like anxiety and depression while balancing the risks and benefits of various treatments. Ideal for families seeking to optimize their loved one’s care and well-being. 

Each session includes a mix of educational topics and interactive activities. Participants engage in discussions about the latest research, caregiving strategies, and coping mechanisms. Guest speakers, often experts from local healthcare organizations, provide valuable insights and updates. Additionally, Amri collaborates with the Alzheimer’s Association and local health services to ensure attendees have access to a broad range of resources. This support group is for caregivers and family members of those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias who are in the later stages of their disease. A typical meeting has 15 to 20 men and women who's loved one (generally a spouse or parent) has advanced dementia and is living at home with caregiver support or in a facility. The participants support each other with stories and advice. It is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. If you have a loved one with dementia, please attend.     
Contact Right at Home – Peninsula at 650-361-1265 for the current list of dates, times and locations of the group.