For many people, the thought of joining a group of strangers and deciding to participate in a dementia caregiver support group to discuss any topic can be very uncomfortable. This can be especially true when the topics are about the changes and struggles of caring for someone living with dementia. We want to keep their privacy and hesitate to be vulnerable ourselves in front of strangers. Alzheimer’s San Diego provides a wide variety of free groups with those concerns in mind.
Feeling Safe in a Group of Strangers
The support groups we host are set up to be a safe space for people to be able to share those things that feel like they should be kept behind closed doors. Too often caregivers find there is no one willing to listen, or there is no one you feel safe to share these topics with. You will be in a support group comprised of family members and friends who are also caregivers who have either already experienced what you are going through or will most likely be experiencing similar in the future. Alzheimer’s San Diego does not allow anyone who is not a caregiver to observe or visit a meeting. In addition, support group attendees are reminded that people, names, and topics discussed are not talked about outside of the meeting. Confidentiality is our priority. What starts out as a meeting with strangers soon grows to become a group of colleagues on this journey of dementia caregiving.
How Just Showing Up Is Part of Creating a Supportive Space
Sometimes people tell me that they are uncomfortable with the thought of attending a meeting because they are new to caregiving and have nothing to share. Other times people are just uneasy because they do not like to speak in front of a group of people. Whatever your hesitations may be about attending, just showing up gives everyone else the gift of someone to listen to them share the issue they want help with and to validate that they are not alone on this caregiving journey. You do not have to provide the solution – your presence alone is the most valuable gift you can give!
Finding the Right Fit: Your Support Group Choices
Alzheimer’s San Diego offers over 30 support groups. Some groups meet in person and some meet on Zoom. We offer “specialized” groups such as our group for long distance caregivers or for caregivers whose person is now living in a licensed community of any size, as well as “mixed” groups of caregivers caring for all types and stages of dementia, living situations, and relationships. Most groups meet twice a month for 90 minutes; other groups meet once a month, and some groups meet for either 1 hour or 2 hours. Group meetings are offered on different days and at various times.
While all these options are great to have, they can also be overwhelming. Please call our office, 858.492.4400, if you would like assistance with finding the group that could work best for you. We will ask you about your situation, days/times open for meetings, and other questions to help you find what would best support you.
It is important to remember that every group is different: the people who attend, the facilitator, the topics brought up. Sometimes it takes a while to get comfortable with a group and sometimes you just do not find the level of comfort you are looking for. Just let us know and we are happy to offer more options for your consideration.
Whether you would like help finding a support group or would like any other help with your individual situation, the Supportive Services team is here to help you. You can reach us by phone at 858.492.4400, or this page. You may also check out our free education classes, social activities, & more. We are looking forward to working with you!
Support Group Awareness Month is recognized every January, and we will share various blogs throughout the month regarding different aspects of our support groups. View more blogs >
By Ellen Boucher, BSW / Support Group Specialist
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Posted on January 15th, 2026
