St. James Parish Hospital, St. James Parish Department of Human Resources and the Louisiana Alzheimer’s Association, are partnering to offer ongoing Caregiver Support Group Meetings for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related diagnoses.
Caregivers of those living with dementia are invited. Meetings will offer a safe space to provide both emotional and educational support. Caregivers will have an opportunity to share personal experiences, feelings and coping strategies and will be connected to additional resources, education and programs surrounding Alzheimer’s.
Beginning August 6, 2024, meetings will be held on Tuesdays with locations alternating between Vacherie and Lutcher. Meetings will be at 2:30pm at the Lutcher Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Meetings will be held at 2:30pm at the Vacherie Senior Center on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Registration is not needed and meeting frequency may be adjusted based on participation.
“My interest has always been service and being a resource to my community,” said Taleisha Felton, LCSW-BACS, St. James Parish Hospital Social Worker and Caregiver Support Group Facilitator.
“Throughout my tenure, I have worked with multiple patients with some form of dementia—providing resources to patients, families and caregivers. I look forward to working with the parish and Alzheimer’s Association to share my knowledge and experience to support caregivers in the River Parishes and surrounding areas.”
Taleisha was accepted into the Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer Program due to her experience and passion for helping others. She completed a robust training program and earned designation as an Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Leader. She looks forward to working with representatives from St. James Parish and the Alzheimer’s Association to facilitate meetings for caregivers.
For support group questions, call 225.258.5942. For caregiver concerns, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900.
This initiative is a Wellness Foundation Community Collaboration. The Wellness Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization that seeks to bring together partners and volunteers to address wellness—beyond traditional healthcare—in the River Parishes. The goal of the foundation is to help foster a thriving community. For more information about the wellness foundation, contact Jamie Vicknair, RN, Foundation and Community Relations Director, at 225.258.2074.
