Looking for an online support group?
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, caregivers, family, friends and the individuals themselves fair far better through the dementia process if they’re connected to a support group. For some people, they just don’t have time, or they can’t find someone to act as caregiver while they attend a support group. Others may have a hard time opening up with strangers. While I don’t think an online support group could ever replace the person-to-person contact found in a traditional support group, they are a great first step for private people, or for people that need to take part in a support group at odd times, or lack transportation.
The Dementia Advocacy and Support Network International (DASNI) is one such online support group.
Here’s the interesting part: approximately one-third of DASNI’s members have dementia themselves. Where can you find an online support group like that? If you have dementia, you can speak with people that are experiencing the same thing. Knowing you have dementia, and experiencing it, can make for a very lonely situation. Your friends and family may try to understand, but they can’t.
DASNI states on their site:
The stigma of dementia is very real, very cruel and widespread. There is also a lack of knowledge about dementias, the impact of new medications, and the support available. By sharing their hopes and concerns, and participating in dementia-related activities, DASNI empowers people with dementia to actively participate in their own care and treatment. We support a more accepting, more hopeful view of living with dementia. We encourage people to improve the quality of their own life by advocating for others.
Connect with others, ask questions, learn, and make your process easier. Whether it’s with DASNI, another group, or both. Then, as you learn, give back, help others. It will help you find purpose on a difficult journey.
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what is vasular dementia compared to any other dementia?