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.
Contact Person: Kathy Rhoads (Certified Dementia Practitioner) Phone: (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.
Contact Person: Nancy Carter Phone: (217) 356-1925 Email: Nancy@NAMIchampaign.org Format: On-line Schedule: Tuesday, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Location: via zoom 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.
Contact person: NAMI Champaign Warmline Phone: (217) 419-5345 Email: info@namichampaign.org Format: On-line Schedule: 2nd Thursday of the month, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: Via Zoom Local Website: namichampaign.org National Website: nami.org
*Please email Debra @dsmedlyn@hotmail.com before noon of 2nd Thursday for ZOOM LINK.
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.
Contact Person: Kellie Branch-Dircks, MSW, LCSW. Phone: (309) 696-7184 Email: kellie@alsachicago.org Format: Online Schedule: 2nd Wednesday of the month , 7:00-8:30 p.m. Location: Via Zoom
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.
Contact Person (s): Diane Zell and Donna Mayer. Phone: Diane (217) 253-2413 / Donna (217) or NAMI Champaign (217) 419-5345 Email: info@namichampaign.org Format: In- Person Schedule: Every 4th Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Location: Tuscola United Methodist Church, 901 N. Prairie, Tuscola, IL 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.
Contact person (s): Angie Corrigan and Becky Stewart Phone: (217)423-6550, option 4 Email: acorrigan@maconchd.org Format: Online and In-person Schedule: 4th Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m (On-line) and 4th Thursday of the month 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (In-Person) Location: Activities Room inside Randall Residence of Decatur, 1415 W Mound Rd, Decatur, IL 62526 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.
Contact Person: Julie Glawe Phone: (217) 762-7575 or Family Service Caregiver Advisor—(217) 352-5100, Format: In-person Schedule: 4th Tuesday of the month, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Location: Piatt County Office Building, Conference Room, 111 N. State St., Monticello, IL 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.
Contact person: Diane Rock Phone: (217) 384-0100 Format: In-person schedule: 3rd Thursday of the month Location: Amber Glen back lounge, 1704 E Amber Lane, Urbana, IL Email: diane.rock@jeaseniorliving.com National Website: sinceriseniorliving.com
*Write: 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.
Contact Person: Ashlie Velazquez Phone: 217-328-3150 Email: Ashlie.Velazquez@brookdale.com Schedule: The last Tuesday of the month, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Location: Brookdale assisted living, 1706 East Amber Lane, Urbana, IL Website: https://www.brookdale.com/en.html Write: Ashlie Velazquez, CDP, Brookdale Urbana, 1706 East Amber Lane, Urbana, IL 61802.
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.
Contact Persons (s): David Harlan & Chuck Cowger Phone: D-(309) 360-5115 or C-(573) 289-1434 Email: email: Harlan24241@gmail.com Email: email: cowgerc@missouri.edu Format: In-Person Schedule: Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. & Wednesday 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Location: In the Community Room at Stephens Family YMCA,2501 Fields S Dr., Champaign 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.
Contact Person: Program Director Sandy Burgener, PhD Phone: (217) 898-4251 or Assistant 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 Format: In-Person Schedule: Every other Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Location: First United Methodist Church, 210 W. Church St., Champaign , Il
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.
Contact Person: Kathy Vance Phone: (217)493-4228 Email: kvance0618@gmail.com Format: On-line Schedule: Monday 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Location: Via Zoom
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.
Contact person (s): Sally Williams or Jenelle Hockaday Phone: 217-423-6988 Email: swilliams@maconchd.org Email: jhockaday@maconchd.org Format: In-Person Schedule: 2nd and 4th Monday, at 1:00 p.m Location: Lower-level activity room Eagle Ridge Of Decatur, 875 W. McKinley, Decatur Local Website: maconcountyhealth.org
*Use the lower level back entrance
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.
Contact Person: Kim LeLoup Phone: (217) 431-1600, ext. 5 Email: gardencourt@libertyvillageofdanville.com Format: In-Person Schedule: Meets 3rd Thursday , 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Location: Hawthorne Inn, 3222 independence Dr., Danville IL
*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 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.
Phone: 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