Family Support Services

Family Support Services offers many opportunities for caregivers to seek and obtain information, guidance and support.

There are no fees for Family Support Services. However, donations to the McCormick Home Foundation (AOS) are greatly appreciated.

Family Support Services are offered in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of London and Middlesex. All services are provided by qualified, professionally trained Social Workers.

For Registration Information:
Email us now or contact us by phone (519) 439-9336. You can also contact the Alzheimer Society of London and Middlesex at (519) 680-2404.

Services include counselling, telephone consultation, information, referral and the following support groups:

Education Support Group

This introductory series offers adult caregivers an opportunity to:

• learn relevant information, presented by guest speakers, on topics such as medical issues, symptom management, legal aspects and community resources
• ask the experts questions
• gain support through the sharing of ideas and experiences

With sessions beginning in January, April, July and October

Monthly Support Group

This ongoing group for adult caregivers provides a forum for mutual support by:

• encouraging group problem solving around issues brought forward by participants
• providing a forum for caregivers to build connections with each other which may continue beyond the group session

One evening per month, on the first Wednesday.

Care for the Caregiver: Stage 1 Spouses

This introductory group is exclusive to spouses and will focus on:

• learning relevant information about Alzheimer Disease
• identification of individual coping styles, development of strategies to recognize and respond to emotional issues specific to Alzheimer related changes in a couples relationship

10 weekly, daytime sessions offered several times per year

Care for the Caregiver: Stage 2 Spouses

This ongoing group is exclusive to spouses who wish to:

• problem solve around issues pertaining to their relationship with their partner
• gain mutual support through the sharing of experiences
• strengthen personal self esteem and achieve a healthy emotional balance

Bi-weekly, daytime sessions offered on the 2nd and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Early Stage Alzheimer Patient Support Group

This group provides individuals, in the early stage of Alzheimer Disease an opportunity to:

• receive emotional support from others in similar situations
• reduce the sense of isolation
• obtain information about their condition
• express wishes and to plan for the future

Weekly, ongoing, morning sessions, offered each Thursday.

Pick's Support Group

This group is for caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Pick's Disease or other frontal temporal dementias. The focus is to:

• discuss concerns and issues specific to this type of dementia
• obtain current Pick's related information and develop problem solving skills to assist with the management of disease related behaviors.

One evening per month, on the first Wednesday.

Individual and/or family counselling is also provided in appropriate situations.

The AOS social worker provides telephone support for caregivers seeking guidance and information.

An informal telephone network is also available for caregivers who wish to interact with other caregivers in similar situations.