Support Groups
Our support groups, led by trained facilitators, provide care partners with the opportunity to discuss caregiving challenges in a safe setting that promotes mutual support, both practical and emotional. You will be able to share your feelings, learn different strategies to handle difficult situations, and gain emotional support. Talking with people who are going through similar situations can help you feel less alone as you confront the many challenges of caregiving.
About Alzheimer’s San Diego Support Groups
- Meetings are for care partners caring for individuals living with memory loss.
- Groups are based on care partner needs for a wide range of situations.
- Members are encouraged to attend as many meetings and groups as they like to feel best supported.
- Meetings are offered 7 days a week, at various times – and are confidential.
- Groups are flexible. Feel free to attend when you can.
- Groups are always FREE!
- More info on this blog post: “Fact Check: Demystifying support groups”
Click to be directed to each group category:
Support Group Guidelines
- Be respectful and kind to your fellow members.
- Give everyone a chance to talk.
- Support each other by sharing your experiences and your feelings.
- Speak in reference to yourself. For example: “In my experience…” or “I feel…”
- What you hear and discuss is to be kept in confidence.
- For virtual groups: Try to log in a few minutes early to test your connection.
*Important* Note if the meeting is:
- Virtual via Zoom/phone–participation is free and easy. Please call the office for assistance getting started: 858.492.4400.
- In-person. If you are attending in person, please check the individual group location for any mask, vaccination, or other guidelines.
Client Testimonials
Specialized Groups
Frontotemporal (FTD) & Other Dementias Care Partners
1st Wednesday of the month from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Designed for those caring for someone living with frontotemporal (FTD), Lewy body (LBD), or other dementia(s). Presented in partnership with the UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
In-Person Groups
North County Coastal
Carlsbad Tuesday Care Partners
2nd & 4th Tuesdays from 10:30am to 12:00pm
Location: ActivCare at Bressi Ranch
6255 Nygaard St., Carlsbad, CA 92009 map it
Carmel Valley Saturday Care Partners
4th Saturday from 9:30am to 11:00am
Location: Carmel Valley Rec Center, Rm 1
3777 Townsgate Dr, San Diego, CA 92130 map it
Oceanside Wednesday Care Partners
1st & 3rd Wednesdays from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Oceanside Public Library – Mission Branch
3861 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92058 map it
North County Inland
Escondido Monday Care Partners
2nd & 4th Mondays from 10:00am to 11:30am
Location: Park Avenue Community Center
210 East Park Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025 map it
Escondido Sunday Care Partners (faith based)
4th Sunday of the month from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Escondido Emmanuel Faith Church
639 East 17th Ave, Escondido, CA 92025 map it
San Marcos Tuesday Care Partners
Tuesdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: San Marcos Senior Activity Center
111 Richmar Ave, San Marcos, CA 92069 map it
Rancho Bernardo Tuesday Care Partners
2nd & 4th Tuesdays from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: San Rafael Catholic Church
17252 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92128 map it
Central San Diego
Encanto Thursday Care Partners (faith based)
4th Thursday of the month from 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: Skyline Hills Library
7900 Paradise Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92139 map it
East County
Ramona Wednesday Care Partners
4th Wednesday of the month from 10:00am to 11:30am
Location: Ramona Senior Center
434 Aqua Ln, Ramona, CA 92065 map it
South San Diego
Coronado Wednesday Active Care Partners
1st & 3rd Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Coronado Public Library
640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 map it
Grupo de apoyo en español (en persona)
*La primera reunión será el 18 de abril.
1er y 3er jueves del mes de 3:30 a 5:00 p.m.
Location: Otay Mesa-Nestor Library
3003 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 map it
También tenemos un grupo de español en línea; consulte la sección “Specialized Groups” para obtener más detalles.
Virtual Groups
Tuesday Virtual Groups
Wednesday Virtual Groups
Thursday Virtual Groups
Saturday Virtual Groups
What are my options if I cannot attend a support group meeting in person?
Alzheimer’s San Diego will always have virtual support groups available for you to attend. Please call Support Group Coordinator Ellen Boucher at 858.966.3305 to discuss options of virtual support groups for you to choose from.
Join a Support Group
Watch this video for step-by-step instructions of how to sign up for a group.
You can find a list of support groups currently being held virtually in the list above. Groups meet using Zoom, which is free and easy to use. Simply click the meeting name to learn more and to register for the group. Here’s how to get started:
- Once you register, you will be emailed a secure Zoom link to join the group.
- You will receive a confirmation email which will provide a link for future meetings.
- The group leader will ask you for contact information so we can send email reminders.
You can also attend the support group meetings by phone. Please call us at 858.492.4400 for more information.
If you would like to schedule a Zoom practice session, please call Ellen Boucher at 858.966.3305.
Become a Support Group Facilitator
Interested in becoming a group facilitator? Alzheimer’s San Diego provides training, materials and ongoing support for those interested in facilitating a support group. Contact Ellen Boucher at 858.966.3305 or eboucher@alzsd.org for more information.