The Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Caregiver Support Group’s annual Caregiver Holiday Celebration Dinner​ ​is coming up next week.

On Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. the group will meet at Brookdale of Oxford and all of those impacted by Alzheimer’s, dementia and any other disorder are welcome to attend. This goes for those who are caregivers, family, friends and more of those impacted by the affliction.

It’s a great time to attend a gathering, even if you have not been to the support group before. Because it isn’t just a support group. In fact, the organizers like to stress that it is more of a gathering. You don’t have to share anything. You can sit back and learn from a presentation or listen to other folks talk. You can do whatever needed to feel comfortable.

Alzheimer’s and other related disorders take a heavy toll on caregivers and family members, so having friends going through it with you or who have been through it and stick around in the group to help the next generation of folks starting to see changes in a loved one is an asset.

A Christmas event is a great no-pressure way to start to meet some of these people who want to make a difference in Oxford and beyond. The event sponsored in part by Brookdale and Home Instead Senior Care. Many thanks should go out to the event sponsors who recognize the need in the community for this group and help make it happen.

If you can’t attend the Monday gathering, there is a Wednesday event that even includes food. C.A.R.E. (Caring for Aging Relatives Effectively) Education and Support Group will meet at noon at ​Brookdale for a time of sharing for those caring for aging relatives. A light luncheon is provided​.

Information on the Caregiver Resource Center​ ​and other resources of interest to caregivers in the community will be available, and everyone taking care of an aging relative or friend is welcome. It’s also a good resource for those who care for the aging for a living.

A lot of times family members step up to the plate to take care of an aging relative so their loved one does not need to be put in a nursing home, whether it is out of compassion or finances. If you know of someone who is in that position, let them know about the groups, and hopefully it will make a big difference in the quality of life for them and their loved one.