Serving as a caregiver in any capacity is a rewarding, yet difficult job. Caregivers for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients face unique challenges in keeping them safe and healthy. These caregivers also need to be prepared for their loved one’s needs and symptoms to change as they move through early stages of the disease to the middle and late stages. People providing care to Alzheimer’s patients have to help them through the loss of language, decision-making abilities, and judgment in addition to the loss of memory, changes in personality and behavior, and the inability to complete activities of daily living.
Caregivers for Alzheimer’s and related dementia patients number nearly 15 million strong. They face the stress of providing round-the-clock care for their loved one, and of watching them decline over time. They also struggle to find time to care for themselves, take a break to boost their own mental health, and talk to others facing the same challenges so they don’t feel isolated. That’s where the power of a support group comes in. Caregivers need to spend time with others who understand what they do on a daily basis. Some support groups include training, resources, and education to help caregivers provide better care to their loved ones. Support groups also provide emotional support and a respite from caregiving duties.
Because caregivers do not have time to find local support groups, we have rounded up 50 of the best in Connecticut. We have chosen those that meet consistently, that are facilitated by trained social workers and counselors or medical professionals, and those that provide safe, supportive, and confidential environments for attendees. To help you find the Alzheimer’s support group in your area, we have listed our top 50 Connecticut groups in alphabetical order; therefore, they are not ranked or rated by value or importance. Please note, the dates, times, and locations of the following Alzheimer’s support groups may change, so you should contact them before attending.
- Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group at Waveny
@Waveny
2nd and 4th Tuesday of Each Month, 1:45 pm
New Canaan, CT
The Waveny Care Center hosts a bi-weekly support group for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss at 1:45 pm. The group meets for approximately one hour in the Care Center’s library in New Canaan. Group sessions are led by Kate Bacon, MSW, and focus on the responsibilities of caring with people who live with memory loss. The Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut sponsors the group, which is available free of charge and welcomes people from all areas to attend. For more information, call 203-594-5470.
- Alzheimer’s Association Hamden Regional Office Alzheimer’s Support Group
@alzassociation
4th Thursday of Each Month, 7 pm
Hamden, CT
Held at the Alzheimer’s Association Hamden Regional Office, this Alzheimer’s support group meets in Suite 205 on the fourth Thursday of each month. Meetings are facilitated by Marcie Dimenstein or John Proto. Please call 203-710-0500 or 203-228-4335 for more information.
- Arden Courts of Avon Alzheimer’s Support Group
@ArdenCourts
3rd Wednesday of Each Month, 3-4:30 pm
Avon, CT
Arden Courts Memory Care Community is dedicated to meeting the needs of people with memory loss. Their Alzheimer’s support group meets monthly, on the third Wednesday of the month. Please contact Sandi Hart at 860-678-7500 for more information.
- Arden House Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2nd Thursday of Each Month, 5 pm
Hamden, CT
The Arden House hosts an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support group on the second Thursday of each month at 5 pm. Located on Mix Avenue, the Arden House is located six miles from Yale New Haven Hospital and features a medical director associated with Yale New Haven Geriatric Services. To attend the support group, please contact Tiffany Burnham at 203-285-1060.
- Atria Farmington Alzheimer’s Support Group
@AtriaSL
4th Thursday of Each Month, January – October, 6:30 pm
3rd Thursday of Each Month, November – December, 6:30 pm
Farmington, CT
The Atria Farmington Alzheimer’s Support Group meets in the Theater Room on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm from January through October. To accommodate winter holidays, the support group meets the third Thursday of the month in November and December. For more information, please contact Victoria Liberator at 860-284-0505.
- Atria Larson Place Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
@AtriaSL
1st Monday of Each Month, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Hamden, CT
Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, this Alzheimer’s support group meets the first Monday of every month from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at Atria Larson Place. The assisted living community is located across from Lake Whitney and offers Alzheimer’s and dementia patients Life Guidance, “a forward-thinking memory care program that includes a vibrant yet structured environment, specially trained staff, and daily opportunities for engagement.” For more information about this support group, contact John Ardolino at 203-248-8880.
- Avon Public Library Alzheimer’s Support Group
@AFPLCT
4th Thursday of Each Month, 7 pm
Avon, CT
The Avon Public Library hosts an Alzheimer’s support group monthly on the second floor in the History Room. If you’d like to join the group on the fourth Thursday of the month, contact Ron Bowen, Janeen Dolan, or Jennifer Labrie at 860-677-2155 or 860-678-7500.
- Brookdale Mountain Laurel Hebron Alzheimer’s Support Group
@BrookdaleLiving
1st Wednesday, 6 – 7:30 pm
Glastonbury, CT
Brookdale Mountain Laurel Hebron offers assisted living and memory care for seniors in Glastonbury, Connecticut. They also host an Alzheimer’s support group the first Wednesday of each month. Please contact Dawn Anderson at 860-652-3444 for more information.
- Brookfield Senior Center Alzheimer’s Support Group
4th Wednesday of Each Month, 1 – 2:30 pm
Brookfield, CT
Brookfield, Connecticut lies in the beautiful rolling hills of western Connecticut and nestles between Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah. The town’s Senior Center strives to improve senior Brookfield citizens’ lives with several programs. They also offer an Alzheimer’s support group once a month. Please contact Darlene Lobraico at 203-313-2862 if you’re interested in attending.
- Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Alzheimer’s Support Group
@CHHospital
3rd Wednesday of Each Month, 7 – 9 pm
Torrington, CT
A nonprofit community hospital in northwest Connecticut, the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital offers and supports a multitude of support groups that are free to attend. Their Alzheimer’s support group meets once a month in the small dining room on the ground floor of the hospital. Please call Karen Cornell at 860-496-6439 or 860-585-3269 for more information.
- Clelian Adult Day Center Alzheimer’s Support Group
4th Thursday of Each Month, 7 pm
Hamden, CT
The Clelian Adult Day Center has been meeting community needs for geriatric and respite care for senior members for nearly 30 years. The Center is non-sectarian and non-discriminatory and offers an Alzheimer’s support group once a month. To attend, please contact Paula Matthews at 203-288-4151.
- Coachman Square at Woodbridge Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
@BenchmarkSL
1st Wednesday of Each Month, at 12 noon
Woodbridge, CT
Coachman Square offers extraordinary care levels for assisted living, memory care, and short-term care patients. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, the Coachman Square at Woodbridge Alzheimer’s support group meets once a month at noon. Please contact Bea Gawlak at 203-397-7544, extension 307 for more information.
- Congregational Church of Eastford Alzheimer’s Support Group
2nd Thursday of Each Month, 7:30 pm
Eastford, CT
The Congregational Church of Eastford has been at the heart of the community in Eastford, Connecticut, for 240 years. Their Alzheimer’s support group meets the second Thursday of each month. If you’re interested in attending, please contact Bev Lindemann at 860-974-1945.
- Connecticut Baptist Homes Alzheimer’s Support Group
Last Tuesday of Each Month, 10:30 am
Meriden, CT
Connecticut Baptist Homes provides a continuum of care for residents, clients, and tenants living in long-term care, residential living, and Cedar Ridge retirement community. Their Alzheimer’s support group meets in the Game Room the last Tuesday of each month. For more information or to attend this support group, please contact Elizabeth McCaffrey, MSW, at 203-237-1206.
- Darien Senior Programs Alzheimer’s Support Group
3rd Wednesday of Each Month, 1 – 2:30 pm
Darien, CT
Darien, Connecticut, located on the state’s Gold Coast, has an active senior center with programs designed to nurture senior residents and deliver services to enhance their lives and promote their well-being. They host an Alzheimer’s support group the third Wednesday of each month with respite care available upon request. Please contact senior center coordinator Elizabeth Paris at 203-656-7490 for more information.
- The Day Club Dementia Support Group
4th Monday of Each Month, 6 pm
Middletown, CT
The Day Club in Middletown, Connecticut, holds a dementia support group suitable for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients once a month. The support group also provides a light supper, so please call 860-632-1119 the Friday before the meeting to RSVP.
- Day Kimball HomeCare Alzheimer’s & Dementia Family Training Seminars
@DayKimball
Throughout the Year
Putnam, CT
Day Kimball Health is an integrated medical services provider serving nearly 92,000 residents of northeast Connecticut. They host several support groups, support services, and programs for the community including their Alzheimer’s & Dementia Family Training Seminars. These free classes are held for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The series of four classes are held once a month from March through June and September through December, and each class focuses on a different topic. For more information, please call 860-928-0422.
- Dementia Caregivers Support Group at Duncaster
@DuncasterRetire
Last Monday of Each Month, Except December, 10:30 am – 12 noon
Bloomfield, CT
A dementia caregivers support group is held at Duncaster on the last Monday of each month in the Hospitality Room. Facilitators Michelle Wyman, LSW, CDP, and Sara Therion, MSW, offer support to people who care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Session topics include communication techniques, caregiver, support, and safety issues, among others. Please note, this support group does not meet in December. For more information or to register for this Alzheimer’s support group, contact Michelle at 860-666-7258 or Sara at 860-380-5012.
- East Hartford Senior Center Alzheimer’s Support Group
1st Thursday of Each Month, 1 pm
East Hartford, CT
East Hartford Senior Services Division runs the East Hartford Senior Center, which is open to all residents ages 55 and over. Their programs do not require an annual membership fee. One program they offer is an Alzheimer’s support group, held the first Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm. If you’re interested in attending or need more information, please contact Scott Ginter at 860-289-2791, extension 314.
- Evergreen Woods Alzheimer’s Support Group
@Evergreen_Wood
3rd Tuesday of Each Month, from 1:15 – 2:15 pm
Branford, CT
Evergreen Woods is a retirement community that strives to help their members live longer, healthier, happier lives. They embrace a wellness philosophy and services that empower members to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. They also offer an Alzheimer’s support group once a month. For more information, contact Nicole Brown or Marie Crouch at 203-483-3225.
- First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich Alzheimer’s Support Group
3rd Tuesday of Each Month, 7 – 8 pm
Greenwich, CT
The First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich is a vibrant, welcoming community focused on grace, gratitude, and generosity. In addition to housing a sanctuary and chapel, the church also houses meeting rooms and donates space to nonprofits at little to no cost and allows nonprofits to use the building for fundraisers and meetings, such as the Alzheimer’s support group. The group meets once a month on the fourth-floor library. Please call facilitator Tony Correale at 203-496-5198 before attending.
- Fresh River Healthcare Alzheimer’s Support Group
@touchpointscare
2nd Tuesday of Each Month, 2:30 pm
East Windsor, CT
Fresh River Healthcare provides short-term rehabilitation services in the central Connecticut area. Their Alzheimer’s support group meets the second Tuesday of every month. For more information, contact Rulanda Simao at 860-623-9846.
- Gardner Heights Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
2nd Wednesday of Each Month, 7 pm
Shelton, CT
Gardner Heights, on Rocky Rest Road in Shelton, is dedicated to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of residents and their families. Their Alzheimer’s support group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm and is affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut. Please contact Mike Hetsko at 230-924-6253 for more information.
- Geer Adult Day Center Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
2nd Wednesday of Each Month, 1 pm
Canaan, CT
Geer Village Senior Community’s Adult Day Center gives participants a place to feel safe while making new friends and participating in therapeutic activities. They also offer an Alzheimer’s support group once a month. If you plan to attend or need more information, please contact Joan Anderson at 860-824-7067.
- Granby Senior Center Alzheimer’s Support Group
2nd Tuesday of Each Month, 10 – 11 am
Granby, CT
Granby, Connecticut, lies along the state’s north border with Massachusetts. A rural residential community, Granby is home to a senior center that has achieved national accreditation. The center seeks to empower older adults to live full lives and promotes their social, physical, and educational well-being. They also hold an Alzheimer’s support group, facilitated by Peg Coburn, once a month. For more information, please contact Marisa Deluca at 860-844-5352.
- Griffin Health Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
@GriffinHospital
2nd Tuesday of Each Month, 6 – 7:30 pm
Derby, CT
Griffin Hospital, in Derby, Connecticut, is an acute care community hospital. They host several support groups and programs for community members including the monthly Alzheimer’s caregivers support group. The group provides emotional, educational, and social support to caregivers and helps them learn skills to solve problems when providing care to a loved one living with the disease as well as ensuring their own health and well-being. For more information, please contact the Health & Wellness Coordinator at 203-732-7371.
- Griswold Senior Center Alzheimer’s Support Group
4th Thursday of Each Month, 4 – 5 pm
Griswold, CT
The Griswold Senior Center meets the needs of senior citizens through programs and services. Open to people ages 55 and older, membership is not required for people to participate in center activities. The center also holds a monthly Alzheimer’s support group. Please contact Tina Falck at 860-376-2604 for more information.
- The Hearth at Gardenside Alzheimer’s Support Group
Last Tuesday of Each Month, 5 pm
Branford, CT
The Heart at Gardenside provides premier senior living and memory care. With a full range of senior living options, The Hearth at Gardenside strives to help individuals achieve wellness. Their Alzheimer’s caregiver support group meets once a month. Please contact Linda Capaubo at 203-483-7260, extension 4249, before attending.
- Hebrew Senior Care Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group
1st Thursday of Each Month, 3:15 – 4:15 pm
West Hartford, CT
Hebrew Senior Care offers a wide range of health care and aging services tailored to individuals’ needs. They also offer a general caregiver support group, Chinese family caregiver support group, early-stage memory loss support group, Parkinson’s disease support group, and an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter. Facilitated by trained professionals, this support group is open to caregivers of people with memory loss and is open to the community.
- Ingraham Manor Alzheimer’s Support Group
@BristolhospCT
1st Monday of Each Month, 6 pm
Bristol, CT
Bristol hospital is a Magnet Recognized hospital and is a leading health provider for people in the Greater Bristol area. Their Ingraham Manor skilled nursing facility provides individualized care and a wide range of services and programs including an Alzheimer’s support group. The group is for family members and caregivers of people with the disease or a related dementia and provides a supportive atmosphere for sharing practical information, solving problems, and providing support. Please call 860-584-3400 for more information.
- Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut Alzheimer’s Support Group
2nd Thursday of Each Month, 10:30 am
Southbury, CT
The Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut hosts an Alzheimer’s support group for friends and family of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias once a month. The group is free to attend and provides emotional, educational, and social support for caregivers and assists them in developing skills to better care for the person with dementia and ensure their own personal, physical, and emotional health. Alzheimer’s Association volunteer Patty Gibbs facilitates the group, and registration is not required.
- Kimberly Hall North Alzheimer’s Support Group
2nd Thursday of Each Month, 6 – 7 pm
Windsor, CT
Kimberly Hall North, a skilled nursing facility, specializes in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care with a focus on people with cognitive impairments. They host a monthly Alzheimer’s support for family members who provide care to or who have a loved one with the disease or another form of dementia. Attendees learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia and how to cope with changes as the disease progresses.
- Lutheran Home of Southbury Caregivers of People with Dementia
2nd Tuesday of Each Month, 6 – 7 pm
Southbury, CT
Situated in Southbury’s historic preservation district, the Lutheran Home of Southbury is a nonprofit facility providing independently living options, care, and rehabilitation for seniors in the community. They also offer care to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Because of their commitment to Alzheimer’s, the home also hosts a support group for caregivers of people with dementia once a month. For more information, call 203-264-9135.
- Maplewood at Danbury Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
3rd Thursday of Each Month, 6 – 7:30 pm
Danbury, CT
An assisted living and memory care community, Maplewood at Danbury is located near Danbury Hospital near the New York border. Considered a premier senior living community, Maplewood at Danbury also offers an Alzheimer’s support group that meets the third Thursday of each month beginning at 6:00 pm. Please contact Patty DiDomenico at 203-246-5620 for more information.
- Men as Alzheimer’s Caregivers Group at the Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center
1st Wednesday of Each Month, 10:30 am – 12 noon
Branford, CT
The Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center, a private, nonprofit organization, is dedicated to keeping community seniors living independently for as long as possible. As such, Orchard House offers adult day health care including health monitoring programs and activities that meet clients’ needs in addition to those of their families. One such program is their Men as Alzheimer’s Caregivers Group, which is held the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. This support group is unique in the fact that it is designed especially for men who serve as caregivers for loved ones with the disease. For more information, please call executive director Stephanie Evans-Ariker at 203-481-7110.
- Milford Hospital Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
1st Monday of Each Month, 6 pm
Milford, CT
Milford Hospital is dedicated to the community’s health. As a result, the hospital offers several prevention programs, support groups, nutrition and exercise sessions, and other programs at little to no cost to improve community members’ wellness. One such support group, the Alzheimer’s support group, is held in affiliation with the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut. For more information, please contact Maria Tomasetti at 203-230-1777, extension 14.
- Montville Senior Center Alzheimer’s Support Group
1st Friday of Each Month, 10 am
Uncasville, CT
The Montville Senior Center, located in Uncasville, Connecticut, provides assistance, services, and information to senior citizens and their families. They also offer programs and services such as support groups like the Alzheimer’s support group that meets monthly. If you are interested in attending or getting more information, please contact Donna Hunter at 860-443-8650.
- Nathanael B. Greene Community Center Alzheimer’s Support Group
4th Tuesday of Each Month, 6 – 7:30 pm
Guilford, CT
Guilford, Connecticut’s Recreation and Seniors Department offers several programs and services for residents of the town and its surrounding communities. A hub of the Guilford Senior Citizens Program, the Nathanael B. Greene Community Center serves hot meals to seniors and hosts a monthly Alzheimer’s support group. For more information, please contact Susan Shultz at 203-785-8533, extension 3163, or Stephanie Evans-Ariker at 904-635-9561.
- Purple Hearts Home Care Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Support Group
Twice a Month
Windsor, CT
Providing professional, affordable, and caring assistance for seniors in the Greater Hartford area, Purple Hearts Home Care ensures seniors receive the care they need from qualified, vetted caregivers. They also offer an Alzheimer’s and dementia family support group twice a month to provide support for family caregivers. Attendees receive information about community resources, learn how to cope with behaviors and demands associated with the disease, and get the opportunity to speak with others in similar situations. Please call 860-310-5553 for more information.
- The Residence at Brookside Alzheimer’s Support Group
3rd Wednesday of Each Month, 3 – 4:30 pm
Avon, CT
The Residence at Brookside in Avon, Connecticut, is brand new and provides a senior housing community for independent living, assisted living, and Reflections Memory Care. The Reflections Memory Care neighborhood collaborates with Brigham & Women’s Hospital, McLean Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. They also support families coping with Alzheimer’s by offering a monthly support group. Please contact Peg Coburn at 860-841-7526 for more information.
- River House Adult Day Center Caregiver Circle
@RiverHouseADC
Throughout the Year
Greenwich, CT
River House Adult Day Center works to improve the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers. They also provide a supportive, person-centered environment and offer caregiver support through their Caregiver Circle, a four-part educational and support series held over eight weeks to give caregivers resources and information in addition to access to a network of peers and professionals. The Caregiver Circle is free of charge and open to the community. Please contact Lynn at 203-622-0079 for more information or to register.
- River Ridge at Avon Alzheimer’s Support Group
@BenchmarkSL
2nd Saturday of Each Month, 1 pm
Avon, CT
River Ridge at Avon is situated in the heart of the Farmington Valley and provides senior living with a superior quality of life. They also offer an Alzheimer’s support group in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, featuring a trained facilitator. For more information about the River Ridge Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, please contact Holly Neddermann at 860-677-2155.
- Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center Alzheimer’s Support Group
2nd Wednesday of Each Month, 6 – 7 pm
East Hartford
The Riverside Health & Rehabilitation Center in East Hartford, Connecticut, is a community healthcare resource with dedicated professionals who provide support and guidance on a personal level. They also offer services and programs that promote a healthy lifestyle in addition to their Alzheimer’s support group. Caregivers, family members, and friends of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Scott Ginter at 860-289-2791, extension 314.
- Saint Mary Home Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Caregiver Support Group
Monthly
West Hartford, CT
Held monthly, the Saint Mary Home Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Caregiver Support Group welcomes family caregivers of people with the disease and related dementia. Attendees will learn more information about community resources, strategies for coping with the behaviors and demands relating to the disease, and how others in similar situations handle them. For more information or for support group dates and times, please call 860-570-8200.
- Spring Glen Church Alzheimer’s Support Group
3rd Wednesday of Each Month, 7 pm
Hamden, CT
Spring Glen Church in Hamden, Connecticut, is a United Church of Christ affiliation that welcomes everyone. They host a caregiver support group that welcomes those who care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and is inclusive of LGBT individuals. Please note, participants must pre-register prior to attending; contact John Proto at 203-654-9189.
- St. Mary’s Parish Center Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Support Group
@DayKimball
2nd Thursday of Each Month, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Putnam, CT
Day Kimball Healthcare offers a free support group for caregivers of someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia once a month at St. Mary’s Parish Center. The center is located at 15 Marshall Street, Putnam. The group is facilitated by Kathy Demers. If you need more information or plan to attend, please contact Kathy at 860-377-6416.
- The Village at Kensington Place Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
@BenchmarkSL
Throughout the Year
Meriden, CT
The Village at Kensington Place is a Benchmark Senior Living Community in Meriden, Connecticut. They host an Alzheimer’s support group throughout the year. The group is associated with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter. For more information and for a calendar of meeting times, please call 203-559-0528.
- The Village at Mariners Point Alzheimer’s Support Group
@BenchmarkSL
3rd Thursday of Each Month, 6 pm
East Haven, CT
A monthly Alzheimer’s support group meets at The Village at Mariner’s Point. This senior living community features lavish gardens, private walking paths, and extraordinary care for those needing assisted living, short-term care, or memory care. Their support group is for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia and offers practical tips and a safe environment for sharing feelings and concerns. For more information, please contact Ashley Dearborn at 203-467-0067.
- Water’s Edge Center for Health & Rehab Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
2nd Wednesday of Each Month, 2 pm
Middletown, CT
Located in Middletown, Connecticut, Water’s Edge Center for Health and Rehabilitation provides a range or living options, rehabilitation, and services for residents and community members. They host a monthly Alzheimer’s caregivers support group in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter. For more information or to attend this support group, please contact Kathleen Kaliscak at 860-347-7286.
- Yale University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit (ADRU) Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
1st Tuesday of Each Month, 1:15 pm
New Haven, CT
Yale School of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit (ADRU) offers a monthly caregiver support group at 1 Church Street, Suite 600. Affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, the group is free of charge. Please contact Susan Good at 203-764-8100 if you are interested in attending or want more information.
