Beginning February 3, 2025, LifePath will be offering a new, free of charge, 8-week group for people in the early stage of their dementia journey with their care partners. The group will be offered Mondays, 2/3/25–3/24/25, from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
During the group sessions, people living with dementia and their care partners will participate in activities and discussions, separately and together. Topics discussed will include Daily Life, Quality of Life, Communication, Relationships, Health, Dementia Supports, and Planning for the Future.
A diagnosis of dementia is life-changing. Some people may feel that they don’t know where to turn first; others may experience feelings of fear, anxiety, or grief that might leave them feeling helpless. “The goal of the program is to empower participants with the knowledge, skills, and support they will need to live well with dementia,” says Kate Moriarty, LifePath’s Clinical Services Program Director. “The program will offer practical tools to navigate each step of the journey with increased confidence, less stress, and a focus on quality of life.”
This program will expand upon the work of two newer programs at LifePath—the Community Engagement Center, and the Dementia Solutions Project. The Community Engagement Center (CEC) is an innovative social day program that provides respite and resources for caregivers, while providing social opportunities and meaningful activities for center participants. The Dementia Solutions Project, developed by Ariadne Labs, provides a framework for conversations regarding what matters most to the individuals at this stage of their journey. Both programs seek to address the social isolation that people living with dementia and their care partners experience. Research shows that between 40 and 70% of family caregivers experience clinical symptoms of depression, which can often be caused by feelings of isolation and loneliness associated with the caregiving experience (Source: Family Caregiver Alliance).
There is no charge to participate in this program. Lunch will be provided. The program will be held in the LifePath Community Engagement Center, 101 Munson Street, Greenfield, South Entrance.
To learn more or to register, call LifePath’s Information & Caregiver Resource Center (ICRC) at 413-773-5555, x1230, or email info@lifepathma.org. Space may be limited; please register by January 31. This program is funded by the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services in partnership with Ariadne Labs.
