While health care physicians, nurses, techs and others fight on the front line against COVID-19, the Alzheimer’s Association and its volunteers are answering the question of how to continue providing critical support groups to the 540,000 Georgians caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The need for supporting family and professional caregivers is greater now than ever before. In response to these challenging times, the Association is making the move to offering support groups virtually led by experienced support group facilitators via conference lines.

The Association offers on line support groups across Georgia for caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer’s and others dealing with the disease. Trained individuals facilitate all support groups.

“So many of our constituents rely on our programs and services which are often called a life line,” added Linda Davidson, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter. “Having a good support network like a support group helps those caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s and dementia to feel socially connected and get the encouragement to move on through their own personal journey,” Davidson added.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter is also continuing to offer free virtual education programs in May. The Association offers a number of education programs that can help those going through Alzheimer’s and their families understand what to expect so they can be prepared to meet the changes ahead and live well for as long as possible. Each virtual education program is approximately one hour and allows the audience to ask questions and engage with others going through the journey online.

To register for a support group or education program, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or go online to alz.org/crf.