Alzheimer's & Dementia Resources in Boston, MA
When someone you love gets diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia, the first few weeks can feel completely overwhelming. We know because families call our Boston home care agency pretty regularly in that exact situation, and one of the most helpful things we do is just point people toward the right resources.
Deirdre Hewett and Louise Murphy, who own our Boston location, have a pulse on local dementia support organizations around here. We provide in-home care specifically for people with memory and cognition disorders, but we also try to be a resource for families who are just figuring out what help is even available. Here's a helpful list of local Alzheimer’s and dementia organizations in Boston that can help.
Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter
Right after diagnosis, you will need emotional support and guidance about what’s to come. Ourlocal chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has free support groups for people living with dementia as well as their caregivers. You can call a 24-hour helpline if you find yourself panicking about something even at 2 am in the morning. That number is 800-272-3900. They also have an array of valuable tip sheets and educational brochures you can order for free.
Dementia Care Collaborative at Mass General
This organization hosts educational forums, dementia care consultations and support groups. Their aim is to help you when you get stuck and wonder “okay, now what do we do?” You can register for their “Conversations with Caregivers” monthly forum held online over Zoom (register early!) on their website which also lists upcoming events and is updated regularly so you will find the most up-to-date information. Much of the information discussed is evidence-based, and that is extremely helpful when you’re trying to figure out what can help.
Wolk Center for Memory Health
The Wolk Center is part of Hebrew SeniorLife, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. They are located at 1200 Centre Street in Boston where they host memory and dementia support groups and individual or family counseling for those families stricken by the disease. It’s interesting because they focus on the effect that dementia has on the entire family, not just the patient or the family caregiver. It is very helpful for those in the early stages so that all family members can earn a better understanding, thus better prepare themselves and plan for what’s to come.
Jewish Family & Children’s Services Alzheimer's/Dementias Family Support
JF&CS hosts a free, monthly gathering dubbed the “Memory Café” in Waltham (or on Zoom) the first Friday of every month. To participate in the event, you’ll need to RSVP to Beth Soltzberg at least 2 days before the event by emailing her at bsoltzberg@jfcsboston.org. While the Memory Café is for dementia patients to socialize with others, the JS&CF provides information and emotional support for the adult children who are taking care of their elderly parents with dementia.
Age Strong Commission, City of Boston
The city of Boston runs more Memory Cafés at many different locations like the Boston Public library branch in Codman Square or Jamaica Plain. Their cafe events occur more often than the JF&CS event. Always check here for a list of current and upcoming memory cafe events for the one that may be closest to you and your loved one. Each event is a little different. Sometimes there are guest speakers, artists or medical professionals who are there to teach and help people cope with having Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
What We Tell Families About Using These Resources
Sometimes families stall and wait too long to reach out for support because they think they should be able to handle it themselves or they don't want to admit how hard it's getting. But the clients we work with in Boston, Cambridge and Brighton whose families connected with these local resources early on say they wish they'd done it even sooner.
In the first month after a diagnosis, try to schedule at least one support group or attend one educational session. It’s a good idea to write down three or four questions before you go. Ask about getting on any mailing lists and if virtual events are available for those who aren’t able to travel.
In-Home Care for Dementia
Visiting Angels caregivers who work with clients suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia participate in a training that was developed in partnership with the American Alzheimer’s Foundation. The special training enables our caregivers to provide excellent home care. We also participate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's every year in a show of solidarity with our clients and hope that more research will yield more solutions.
If you have questions about our dementia care, Alzheimer’s care or about the local resources discussed above, please call our Boston office at (617) 995-3737. Even if you’re not ready for in-home care yet, we can usually point you in the right direction. We work with families in Boston, Cambridge and Brighton. Some of the toughest telephone calls we get are from families who’ve been trying to manage everything on their own. Please know that support is available and we’ll help you find what you need.