Patient Support and Education

The Aging Resource Center offers various ongoing support and discussion groups (see below).

Please also refer to the following helpful topics:

• Age-related health information: Age-related health encyclopedia topics.
• Helpful websites: Websites that provide resources and information on topics that affect older adults.
• Lending library: Information about borrowing books, CDs, DVDs, and other materials from our lending library.
• Use it or lose it: An article about physical activity, which helps us attain our goals, maintain our functioning and promote comfort.

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Support Group for Caregivers of People with Dementia

Facilitators: Kathleen Otto, LICSW and Bernie Seifert, LICSW

First and third Wednesdays
12:30 to 2 pm

Are you caring for a family member who has dementia? Whether your family member lives with you, near you, or in another part of the country, the stresses of coping with this disease can be enormous. Come listen to other caregivers talk about their challenges and how they manage them. Share your story with people who will understand what you are going through, who will not make judgments, and who will offer practical advice on how to handle the challenges of caring for someone with dementia.

Note: Pre-registration is NOT necessary.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Stroke Support and Education Group

DHMC Neurology Department

First Friday of every other month, February 7, April 3 and June 5
10 to 11:30am

Assistance-Education-Encouragement. A stroke can be a life-changing experience. Not just for the stroke survivor, but for the whole family. We invite stroke survivors, family members, and caregivers to come share their experiences and gain support, education, and encouragement from others who know just what you are going through. This support group is registered with the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association and the National Stroke Association.

Note: Pre-registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Please call Sarah Braginetz at 603-650-5104 or email Saraha.L.Braginetz@hitchcock.org to confirm meeting date, location and agenda, and to register.

When Someone You Love Has Died

Deadra Ashton, MDiv

Mondays, February 10 to March 30 (eight sessions)
1:30 to 3 pm

Losing someone you love can be soul-shattering. Join us for comfort, understanding, and support in facing this daunting new reality. Our purpose is to strengthen each other in finding hopeful and sustaining steps forward. We realize that this group will sit with strong emotions and pain. We find that the group is the most beneficial when people attend regularly.

Note: Pre-registration is required. Please call 603-653-3461 to speak with Deadra Ashton before enrolling.

Caring for Another While Caring for Yourself

Facilitator: Deadra Ashton, MDiv.

Every other Tuesday, February 11, 25, March 10, 24, April 7, 21, and May 5, 19 (eight sessions)
2 to 3:30 pm

Family caregiving can be lonely, arduous, and prolonged. We offer you a safe-haven to express your feelings, ask questions, ease your mind, share ideas, and receive encouragement from others who truly understand.

Note: Pre-registration is required. Please call 603-653-3461 to speak with Deadra Ashton before enrolling.

The Parkinson’s Workshop

Facilitators: Bill Brawley, Diane Sherman, PhD and Suzanne Simon

Fourth Wednesday of each month
1 to 2:30 pm

This monthly gathering of people with Parkinson’s and their care partners meets to share experiences and information, based on the participants’ needs and interests. Living with Parkinson’s, we all have something practical to contribute about how to cope with this condition. Building on the work of the Proactive Parkinson’s Discussion Group, we support each other, empower ourselves, and enhance quality of life through learning and discussion with experts, including medical professionals. People with Parkinson’s and family care partners and friends are welcome.

Note: Pre-registration is NOT necessary.