Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects not only the individual experiencing Alzheimer’s but also their entire family.
In Minnesota, it is estimated that 163,000 family and friends of those with Alzheimer’s provided 225 million hours of unpaid care in 2022 alone.
Understandably, health care is focused on meeting the needs of the patients living with Alzheimer’s. But there can also be a broader need, to support those family and friends who serve as caretakers.
In 2022, Tara Walz established an Alzheimer’s Support Group hosted at Williams Integracare Clinic as a means to support local families impacted by Alzheimer’s. Tara worked as a nurse at Integracare since 2013, and had spent many years prior working in geriatrics and memory loss care.
She knew the value a group like this could bring to supporting those in our community, yet the St. Cloud area did not have a group through the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Support Group hosted at Integracare is the only group registered with the Alzheimer’s Association between Maple Grove and Brainerd.
We spoke to Tara about the group and the impact it has had.
My Why:
Throughout my life, I’ve been actively involved in volunteer work while raising our children. After our youngest graduated, I began seeking a new volunteer opportunity. It was then that I discovered a need for a support group facilitator in Central Minnesota and completed the necessary training through the Alzheimer’s Association. Given my long-standing passion for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, along with a career in geriatrics and years of experience caring for individuals with dementia, I knew facilitating this support group would be a meaningful way to give back to the community and address an important need.
Continued Desire to Learn:
Since then, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge by engaging in ongoing training and educational programs. In the spring of 2024, I earned certification as a Dementia Practitioner, which broadened by knowledge. However, much of my understanding has come from those who have experienced Alzheimer’s firsthand, either as patients or caregivers, or other medical providers specializing in this area.
About the group:
Our support group meets monthly, with participants traveling from a 50-mile radius to join us. Over the past year, we’ve helped over 30 individuals affected by a loved one’s Alzheimer’s or similar diagnosis. Some attend once, others come occasionally, and many are regular members who attend monthly. My goal for the group is to offer support, resources, and, most importantly, connections. It’s through the shared experiences of those who’ve walked this journey that we learn the most.
About Integracare’s Support:
What I appreciate most about Integracare is that the administration fully supported my desire to give back and provided space for us to hold the group. Over time, employees have come to look forward to support group days, eager to reconnect with familiar faces who participate. Additionally, other staff members have volunteered to contribute by baking for the group or asking to attend a session. I feel truly fortunate to work for an organization that not only acknowledges its employees’ passions but also helps us give back to the community and our patients.
If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s, you are welcome to join our support group! Meetings are on the second Thursday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30am. You can learn more here.