Caring for someone living with dementia can be rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. Connecting with other caregivers can provide practical advice, emotional support, and reassurance that you are not facing these challenges alone. Whether you are caring for a spouse, partner, parent, family member, or friend, support groups can help you learn from others who understand your experience.
Why Join a Support Group?
Support groups offer a safe, supportive environment where caregivers can:
- Share experiences with others facing similar challenges.
- Learn practical caregiving strategies and coping skills.
- Reduce feelings of stress, frustration, and isolation.
- Discuss difficult emotions, including grief, anger, and guilt.
- Connect with community resources and services.
Many caregivers find a sense of community, lasting friendships, and ongoing support through support groups. The best group for you may focus on the diagnosis affecting your family member, but if a disease-specific group is not available, a general dementia or caregiver support group can also be valuable. It may be helpful to speak with the group facilitator before attending your first meeting to learn whether the group is a good fit for your needs.
Support Groups at the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center
The Fein Memory and Aging Center offers support groups for caregivers, family members, care partners, and people living with neurodegenerative diseases. Most groups are free to attend, although registration may be required.
Dementia Family Caregiving Group: Living with Dementia
Who it's for
Families, friends, and care partners of people living with dementia.
Description
This group provides a supportive environment to share experiences, learn from other caregivers, and connect with resources. It is co-sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association and the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center.
Format
Online via Zoom
When
Second and fourth Tuesday of each month
6–7:30 p.m. Pacific Time
Cost
Free
Registration
Registration through the Alzheimer's Association is required. Email Heather Gray or call 1-800-272-3900. Please indicate that you would like to register for the San Francisco UCSF Living with Dementia Support Group.
Contact
Chloe France, LCSW
[email protected]
415-514-8344
FTD Caregiver Support Group
Who it's for
Family members and care partners of people living with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and related disorders, including progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration.
Description
Provides education, peer support, and discussion focused on the unique challenges of caring for someone with FTD. Caregivers of UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.
Format
Online via Zoom
When
Second Thursday of each month
12:30–2 p.m. Pacific Time
Cost
Free
Registration
Registration through the Alzheimer's Association is required. Email Heather Gray or call 1-800-272-3900. Please indicate that you would like to register for the San Francisco UCSF FTD Support Group.
Contact
Lisa Kritikos, AGNP
[email protected]external site (opens in a new window)
415-514-1223
FTD Adult Children Group
Who it's for
Adult children of people living with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). Participants from anywhere in the United States are welcome.
Description
This facilitated support group provides a welcoming space for adult children to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of having a parent with FTD. Discussions focus on sharing experiences, offering mutual support, and learning from one another.
Format
By phone (toll-free call-in number provided upon registration)
When
Third Thursday of each month
5–6:30 p.m. Pacific Time
Cost
Free
Contact
Jamie Fong, MS, CGC
[email protected]
Huntington's Disease Caregiver Support Group
Who it's for
Family members and care partners of people living with Huntington's disease.
Description
This facilitated support group provides a welcoming environment for caregivers to share experiences, learn from one another, and receive support from others navigating the challenges of Huntington's disease.
Location
Sycamore Congregational Church
1111 Navellier St.
El Cerrito, CA
When
Fourth Tuesday of each month
7–8:30 p.m.
Cost
Free
Contact
Natasha Boissier, LCSW
[email protected]
Therapeutic Movement Class for Patients
Who it's for
People living with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Description
This eight-week therapeutic movement class uses yoga-based practices designed to support participants' emotional and physical well-being in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Format
Online via Zoom
Schedule
Meets once a week for eight weeks.
Contact
Catherine Wang, ASW, MSW
415-353-3014
Caregiver and Dementia Support Groups Beyond UCSF
Looking for support beyond UCSF? In addition to the Fein Memory and Aging Center's support groups, many national and community organizations offer local and virtual programs for caregivers, families, and people living with dementia. If you cannot find a disease-specific support group in your area, a general dementia or caregiver support group may also be a good option. Your hospital social worker, adult day program, local Alzheimer's Association chapter, or community organizations can also help you identify resources.
Whether you're looking for general caregiving support, diagnosis-specific organizations, or resources for a particular community, the organizations below can help you find education, peer support, and practical assistance.
General Caregiver Support
Caregiver Action Network
Offers free education, peer support, and practical resources for family caregivers across the United States.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Provides education, caregiving resources, publications, and state-by-state information on services available to family caregivers.
National Alliance for Caregiving
A nonprofit coalition dedicated to improving the quality of life for family caregivers through research, innovation, and advocacy.
Younger-Onset Dementia
Lorenzo's House
A nonprofit organization that supports families affected by younger-onset dementia through free virtual support groups, educational programs, peer communities, and advocacy. Resources are available for spouses and partners, children, parents, siblings, friends, and others navigating younger-onset dementia together.
Resources by Diagnosis
Alzheimer's Association
Provides education, support groups, a 24/7 Helpline, and resources for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, their families, and care partners. Use the Community Resource Finder to locate local and virtual support groups, educational programs, and services.
Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD)
Provides education, support, and resources for people living with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), their families, and care partners. AFTD offers a national HelpLine, educational webinars, local and virtual support groups, and practical guidance for navigating life with FTD.
Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA)
Provides education, support, and resources for people living with Lewy body dementia, their families, and care partners. LBDA offers educational materials, webinars, local and virtual support groups, and information to help families understand and manage the disease.
Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA)
Provides education, support, advocacy, and community resources for people living with Huntington's disease and their families. HDSA offers local chapters and support groups, educational programs, and assistance in finding care and services.
CJD Support Network
Provides emotional and practical support for people affected by all forms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), including individuals living with the disease, care partners, and families at increased genetic risk.
Respite and Practical Support
ARCH National Respite Network
Helps caregivers locate respite care services in their communities and provides information about respite programs and policy initiatives.
Staying Connected
CaringBridge
Offers free personal websites that help individuals and families share health updates with family and friends during a serious illness.
LGBTQ+ Older Adults and Caregivers
LGBT Aging & Abilities Support Network (LAASN)
Provides supportive services that address social isolation and the health and wellness needs of LGBTQ+ older adults and adults with disabilities.
Openhouse
Offers housing, services, and community programs that support LGBTQ+ older adults, including caregiving resources for people in the San Francisco Bay Area.
SAGE
A national organization that provides supportive services, educational resources, advocacy, and training to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers.
For Spouses and Partners
Well Spouse Association
Provides peer support, education, and community for spouses and partners caring for someone with a chronic illness or disability.
Need Help Choosing a Support Group?
If you are unsure which support group or resource best meets your needs, speak with your Fein Memory and Aging Center care team or social worker. They can help connect you with local, national, and virtual resources that fit your situation.
You don't have to navigate caregiving alone. Support is available at every stage of the journey.