Caregivers
Caregivers (General)
Champaign
Circle of Friends Adult Day Center Caregivers Support Group (1996 A,P) This group is open to the community and offers expertise in dementia/Alzheimer's care support for caregivers. The group is led by a master’s level social worker specializing in Alzheimer's and dementia. Leader and group members offer tips on behavior management and improving caregiver effectiveness, efficiency and energy. The group also encourages caregivers to openly talk about their feelings as many have similar issue and concerns. This is an Alzheimer's Association approved support group. Call: Kathy Rhoads (Certified Dementia Practitioner) (217) 359-7937 or (217) 493-7937 Email: center@circleoffriendsadc.net Local Website: circleoffriendsadc.net Write: Kathy Rhoads, MSW, LCSW, Circle of Friends Adult Day Center, 609 W. Washington St., Champaign, IL 61820-3332
Family-to-Family (2021 A,L) This free 8-week course is for family caregivers (parents, relatives, and friends) of individuals with severe mental illnesses. The classes are structured to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental disorders while maintaining their own well-being. The course is taught by a team of trained NAMI family member volunteers who know what it’s like to have a loved one living with one of these brain illnesses. Meets Tues., 6:00-8:30 p.m. via ZOOM. Call: Nancy Carter (217) 356-1925 Email: nancy@NAMIchampaign.org Local Website: namichampaign.org National Website: nami.org Write: NAMI Champaign County, P.O. Box 3552, Champaign, IL 61826-3552
NAMI Family Support (2013, A/L) This group is for any family member, friend, or loved one of an adult person with severe mental illness. This group is for adults only and is facilitated by experienced family members. Join us as we learn how to understand and support our loved ones with mental illness. Discover friends who care and understand, and share ideas that can help you better take care of yourself and your family. Learn about community services and how to find them. We listen while you share your experiences and get much needed support. Meets 2nd Thurs., 7:00-9:00 p.m., via ZOOM. Please email Debra @dsmedlyn@hotmail.com before noon of 2nd Thursday for ZOOM LINK. Call: NAMI Champaign Warmline (217) 419-5345 Email: info@namichampaign.org Local Website: namichampaign.org National Website: nami.org Write: NAMI Champaign County, P.O. Box 3552, Champaign, IL61826-3552
Together is Better Caregiver Support Group A virtual group for current and past ALS caregivers specially designed to address the unique needs of those caring for someone with ALS. The purpose of this group is for sharing information, insight, advice and encouragement in a safe space. For questions regarding the program, please reach out to Kellie Branch-Dircks, MSW, LCSW. Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month 7:00-8:30 PM over zoom. Call: (309) 696-7184 Email: kellie@alsachicago.org
Douglas
NAMI Families and Caregivers – Tuscola (2021 A,L) This support group is for family, friends, and concerned others of persons living with a mental illness. The group is led by NAMI trained facilitators who are experienced caregivers. Solve problems, share experiences, and learn from others who have been there. The group has over 30 years of experience in dealing with issues surrounding the care of a loved one with mental illness living in the community. The facilitators are Diane Zell and Donna Mayer. Meets 4th Thurs. 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Tuscola United Methodist Church, 901 N. Prairie, Tuscola, IL Call: Diane (217) 253-2413, Donna (217) 234-7616, or NAMI Champaign (217) 419-5345 Email: info@namichampaign.org Local Website: namichampaign.org National Website: nami.org Write: NAMI Champaign County, P.O. Box 3552, Champaign, IL 61826-3552
Macon
Caregiver Support Group - Macon This support group is open to any caregiver of an older adult or person living with a disability. Meets virtually on 4th Tuesday of the month, 10:00 a.m., and in-person on 4th Thursday of the month, 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the Activities Room at Randall Residence in Decatur. Call: Angie Corrigan and Becky Stewart (217)423-6550, option 4 Email: acorrigan@maconchd.org Local Website: maconcountyhealth.org
Piatt
Caregiver Support Group- Piatt County (2016 F,P) This group is a general family caregiver group for families or persons providing care to a friend or family member. Caregiver advisory services are provided. Meets 4th Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Piatt County Office Building, Conference Room, 111 N. State St., Monticello. Call: Julie Glawe- (217) 762-7575 or Family Service Caregiver Advisor—(217) 352-5100, Email: jglawe97@yahoo.com or Family Service at src@familyservicecc.org
Caregivers (Alzheimer’s Disease / Dementia)
Champaign
Amber Glen – Caring for Dementia (2006 F,S) This group holds open discussions for people caring for someone with dementia or people who want to understand dementia better. This often leads to discussion of the emotional ups and downs that come with having a loved one with dementia. Meets 3rd Thurs. 11:00 a.m. Amber Glen back lounge, 1704 E. Amber Lane, Urbana. Call: Diane Rock (217) 384-0100 Email: diane.rock@jeaseniorliving.com National Website: sinceriseniorliving.comWrite: 1704 E. Amber Lane, Urbana, IL 61802
Brookdale Urbana Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregivers Support Group (2022 A,P) If you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, this group gives you support and insight from other caregivers in a similar situation. Reaching out isn’t always easy, but it helps to share your experiences with people who know what you’re going through to gain tips and suggestions. Groups meets the last Tuesday of every month from 6-7 pm at Brookdale Assisted Living, 1706 East Amber Lane, Urbana, IL 61802. Call: Ashlie Velazquez at217-328-3150 Email: Ashlie.Velazquez@brookdale.com Website: https://www.brookdale.com/en.html Write: Ashlie Velazquez, CDP, Brookdale Urbana, 1706 East Amber Lane, Urbana, IL 61802.
Circle of Friends Adult Day Center Caregivers Support Group (1996 A,P) This group is open to the community and offers expertise in dementia/Alzheimer’s care support for caregivers. This group is led by professional educators, specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care giving. Leaders offer behavior management tips for dementia/Alzheimer’s disease-related behavior problems often experienced in the home. This is an Alzheimer’s Association approved support group. Call: Kathy Rhoads (Certified Dementia Practitioner) (217) 359-7937 or (217) 493-7937 Email: adc@advancenet.net Local Website: circleoffriendsadc.net Write: Kathy Rhoads, MSW, LCSW, Circle of Friends Adult Day Center, 609 W. Washington St., Champaign, IL 61820-3332
Men’s Caregivers Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Groups (2010 F,L)Two groups meet each week to provide support for caregivers, widowers and spouses of those with Alzheimer’s/dementia. Tuesdays, 9:00a.m.–10:30 a.m.; Wednesdays, 10:30a.m.–12:00 a.m. The groups meet at the Y Community Room, Stephens Family YMCA, 2501 Fields S Dr, Champaign and on Zoom. Call: David Harlan (309) 360-5115 or Chuck Cowger at (573) 289-1434 Email: email: Harlan24241@gmail.com Email: email: cowgerc@missouri.edu Local Website: sf-ymca.net National Website: www.ymca.net
Minds in Motion (2007 F,P) This program enhances the mental, physical, and cognitive functioning of older adults including those diagnosed with early memory loss. Activities include “brain fitness” activities (mental exercises, games, memory enhancement), exercises (taiji, dance, strength, and endurance training), relaxation therapies, creative activities (art, writing, music, and storytelling), social activities, and community events. Family members of individuals with early memory loss focus on self-care while creating positive activities for themselves and their family members. Call to verify meeting times. Meets every other Thurs., 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 210 W. Church St., Champaign. Call: Program Director Sandy Burgener, PhD (217) 898-4251 or Assitant Director Vic Christensen, MSW for current meeting dates, information, or to enroll in the program Email: Victoria Christensen-vchriste906@gmail.com Email: Sandy Burgener-sburgenr@illinois.edu
Women’s Dementia Support Group (2016 F,L) This group is a lay person-led support group for women who are spouses and/or caregivers of a family member with dementia. Leadership is shared among those in attendance. Discussions focus on sharing suggestions for caregiving, available resources, and provision of support to one another. Meets on Mondays from 10:30– 12:00 p.m., over zoom. Call: Kathy Vance (217)493-4228 Email: kvance0618@gmail.com
Macon
Macon Memories Memory Cafe (2015 F,P) This support group is open to caregivers and care-receivers who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia. This social group offers support, socialization and enrichment activities, including memory games, music, art, and other physical games. Education services are also provided. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 1:00 p.m. at Eagle Ridge of Decatur, 875 W. McKinley, Decatur. (Use lower level back entrance; group meets in the lower-level activity room.) Call: Sally Williams or Jenelle Hockaday 217-423-6988 Email: swilliams@maconchd.org Email: jhockaday@maconchd.org Local Website: maconcountyhealth.org
Vermilion
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group (2007 F,P) This group provides education and support for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets 3rd Thurs., 5:00-6:00 p.m., Hawthorne Inn, 3222 Independence Dr., Danville. Call: Kim LeLoup (217) 431-1600, ext. 5 Email: gardencourt@libertyvillageofdanville.com Write: Kim LeLoup – Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, Hawthorne Inn, 3222 Independence Dr., Danville, IL 61832
Telephone Support Group for Caregivers of Veterans with Dementia (2016 A,P) The VA Illiana Health Care System provides a telephone support group free of charge to anyone who provides care in the home to a Veteran with dementia, or a Veteran who provides care in the home for a family member with dementia. The Veteran must be enrolled in VA, must have a VA primary care physician and a diagnosis of dementia (any type), made by a VA provider. To participate, you must be the person who provides hands-on care to the Veteran. Caregivers will participate in a one hour, once-a-week group telephone call, for six consecutive weeks. The call is toll-free. The group will focus on skill-building in the areas of problem solving and mood management and will provide an opportunity to share with and learn from other group members. Call: 1-855-260-3274
A: Affiliated with a state, national or international group
F: Freestanding group
L: Lay run/organized group
P/L: Professional and lay persons share facilitation/organizational roles in group
P: Professional facilitates and/or organizes group meetings