Tell us a little about yourself:
I have been a retired project manager for four years. I have one married daughter who lives in Indianapolis, a sister in Ithaca NY, and my 96-year-old mother lives in Columbus, NC. I also have four nieces and nephews. I have been married for 17 years to Barbara Battin. Her family lives in upstate New York.
What support group do you facilitate?
I facilitate the Centerville support group at St. Leonard Franciscan Living Community. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in the afternoon. (For a complete list of the Alzheimer’s Association’s local support groups, click HERE)
Why did you become a support group facilitator?
When I joined a support group as a long distance caregiver, I found companionship, advice, validation and freedom, shared with a dozen or so others. My active and consistent participation led the facilitator to ask me to join her as co-facilitator. Her later long illness and death moved me into the facilitator role, and the group has recently added a new co-facilitator.
What advice can you offer people that are thinking of joining a support group?
Bring your questions, your concerns, your doubts to a convenient meeting. Someone next to you may be facing these same things. Participate freely, not because “misery loves company,” but as an opportunity to enrich your own and you loved one’s lives.
If you have questions about the Support Groups or other programs and services at the Miami Valley Chapter, do not hesitate to reach out at 800.272.3900 or by emailing mvprograms@alz.org. You can also visit us at alz.org/dayton. Our support groups are open (meaning you can attend the group without RSVPing or calling) but if you would like, our staff can connect you with a support group facilitator to learn more about a particular group.
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