UF to offer free, online support groups for Alzheimer's caregivers

A new service from the University of Florida's AlzOnline.net aims to bring caregivers together for support, no matter where they live.

AlzOnline.net, in partnership with the Central and North Florida chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, has recently launched free,facilitated support groups via chat room for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

"We are attempting to bring people back to support groups in ways that are more convenient for them," said Jeff Loomis, coordinator of AlzOnline.net and associate director of the Center for Telehealth, part of UF's College of Public Health and Health Professions. "There has been a downward trend in support group attendance -10 percent of caregivers attend a face-to-face group, while about 40 percent are now accessing support online. There are probably several reasons for this, but some recent reasons given locally have revolved around gas prices and scheduling conflicts."

Approximately 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. More than seven of 10 Americans with Alzheimer's live at home, and almost 75 percent of their home care is provided by family and friends, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

"The idea of an online support group originally started when we heard that traditional support groups were missing working professionals with families who are trying to find balance," Loomis said. "Also, there seems to be a growing group of caregivers dealing with early onset dementia who fall between the cracks because of their age."

AlzOnline.net is also introducing telephone support groups for Spanish speakers in the Miami and Orlando area, with the hope of eventually making the groups available for caregivers statewide.

AlzOnline.net also offers live, interactive classes on subjects such as stress management, understanding and dealing with memory loss, and managing difficult caregiving tasks. A message board and regular telephone conferences with experts in Alzheimer's care are also available. The free services are open to anyone through telephone and Internet.

For more information, visit alzonline.phhp.ufl.edu or call toll-free 1-866-260-2466.