Caring for the Caregiver: Why Support Matters on the Dementia Journey
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, life changes not only for the individual receiving the diagnosis, but also for the family members who walk beside them every day.
Spouses become caregivers. Adult children become advocates. Family members find themselves navigating medical appointments, changing behaviors, difficult decisions and emotions they never expected to face.
While much attention is rightfully focused on the person living with dementia, the well-being of the caregiver is equally important.
At The Crestmoor at Green Hills, we understand that caring for someone with memory loss can be rewarding, meaningful and deeply challenging all at the same time. That’s why we believe no caregiver should have to navigate the journey alone.
The Hidden Challenges of Caregiving
Many caregivers spend months—or even years—providing support to a loved one before seeking help for themselves.
Often, they are so focused on meeting the needs of someone else that they overlook their own physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Caregivers frequently experience:
- Stress and anxiety
- Feelings of isolation
- Emotional exhaustion
- Uncertainty about what comes next
- Guilt associated with asking for help
- Difficulty balancing caregiving with family, work and personal responsibilities
The reality is that dementia caregiving is not a journey that anyone should have to face without support.
Why Caregiver Support Groups Matter
One of the most valuable resources available to caregivers is the opportunity to connect with others who truly understand what they are experiencing.
Support groups provide a safe, welcoming environment where caregivers can:
- Share experiences and challenges
- Learn practical caregiving strategies
- Gain access to educational resources
- Ask questions
- Receive encouragement
- Build meaningful connections with others facing similar circumstances
Perhaps most importantly, support groups remind caregivers that they are not alone.
There is comfort in speaking with others who understand the daily realities of caring for someone living with dementia.
There is reassurance in learning from those who have walked a similar path.
And there is strength in knowing that support is available when it is needed most.
Introducing The Crestmoor at Green Hills Caregiver Support Group
To better serve families throughout the Nashville community, The Crestmoor at Green Hills is proud to partner with Alzheimer’s Tennessee to host a monthly Dementia and Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group.
The group will meet on the last Tuesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. at The Crestmoor at Green Hills and will provide caregivers with an opportunity to connect, learn and find support in a compassionate environment.
The support group is open to family caregivers, spouses, adult children and anyone caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
Join Us for Our Kickoff Meeting on July 28
We are especially honored to welcome Cheryl Blanchard, Regional Director for Alzheimer’s Tennessee, for our inaugural meeting on July 28.
A licensed Master Social Worker, Certified Advanced Care Social Work Case Manager and Certified Dementia Care Specialist, Cheryl has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Her expertise, compassion and commitment to supporting caregivers make her an invaluable resource for families navigating the dementia journey.
In addition to the support and educational resources provided during the meeting, attendees will also receive complimentary Silver Alert Kits designed to help families prepare in the event a loved one becomes lost or disoriented.
A Community of Support
At The Crestmoor at Green Hills, we believe memory care extends beyond the individual living with dementia. It includes supporting spouses, children, friends and family members who provide care, advocacy and love every day.
No one should feel isolated while caring for a loved one.
Whether you are just beginning the journey or have been providing care for years, we invite you to join us, connect with others and discover the support, resources and encouragement available within our community.
Because sometimes the most important reminder a caregiver can hear is this:
You don’t have to do this alone.
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
When: Last Tuesday of every month at 2:00 p.m.
Where: The Crestmoor at Green Hills
3808 Cleghorn Avenue
Nashville, TN
Featured Guest for July 28: Cheryl Blanchard, Regional Director, Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc.
Bonus: Complimentary Silver Alert Kits available to attendees.
For more information, contact Shannon Stephens at 615.275.5000.