Caregiver Support Group at The Beacon
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia is not an easy task. It takes patience, time, dedication and a whole lot of love. You are not alone.
The Beacon hosts a monthly Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Group in their private dining room, located at 4410 Gulf Breeze Parkway.
It’s a small group and a safe place to discuss the challenges of caregiving and offer advice on how to better care for your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
The next meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. and is open to any caregivers in the community free of charge.
Social worker of 51 years Sharon Oakes facilitates this support group.
“We don’t just have people who have their loved ones at The Beacon, but people from the community come too,” Oakes said. “A lot of people just want to get their feet wet. For some people it’s scary to go to a group, but it’s helpful.”
The support group started about 4 years ago and look a break due to COVID. A year ago the group picked back up, and Oakes said it has been going very well.
“Our sessions are designed to talk about challenges they have, but also to provide them with education and resources in the community to let them know about adult day care, Medicaid, various financial options, all kinds of things,” she said.
“It’s designed to be resource driven as well as dump and vent,” Oakes added. “If you’re caregiving for anyone that has dementia, it is a challenge.”
Oakes has been leading support groups for 12 years now and loves guiding others in their caregiving journey.
“I enjoy it because I get to help people. I give them a chance to dump and vent, and sometimes help them with a direction to go, give the best options for them,” she said.
Some ways to help memory are learning new skills, following a daily routine and using memory tools such as calendars and to-do lists. Putting your wallet, purse or glasses in the same place each day can be helpful. Consistency is key.
Volunteering in your community, at a school or place of worship and spending time with friends and family has been known to help memory as well.
The Beacon focuses on quality of life and has top-of-the-line memory care.
At The Beacon, residents are enveloped in a caring, protected environment that offers an exceptional array of therapy-driven activities, healthful dining to satisfy the toughest of palates, and spacious common areas for engaging friends and welcoming family.
The Beacon offers spacious studio and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, private baths and courtyard views. Personalized security response systems are available to residents, as are physical therapy and exercise programs.
Other amenities include card rooms, a movie theater, a putting green, a salon and spa and restaurant- style dining. The Beacon wants to show their residents honor, respect and dignity.
The Beacon also has a 100% money back guarantee within 30 days of move in if your loved one decides that the community is not the right fit.
The Beacon gives tours daily and is open to visitors, even if the visitor doesn’t know a resident personally. The Beacon community loves making new friends.
The Beacon uses this quote from Tia Walker to reflect on and inspire their staff.
“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.”
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact The Beacon at 850-934-4306.