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Warrenton Support Group |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (WARRENTON, VA- February 3, 1999) -- With 250,000 new cases of Alzheimer's disease emerging in the United States each year, the demand for community resources is rapidly growing. It is predicted that 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease by the middle of the next century unless a cure or prevention is found. With these statistics in mind, it is essential that families and caregivers whose lives are affected by Alzheimer's disease know that support groups are available to help cope with the emotional, financial and physical challenges of Alzheimer's. The Northern Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has 33 local support groups, two of which are located in Marshall and Warrenton. Support groups are free for diagnosed individuals, family caregivers, professional caregivers, or anyone interested in sharing their experiences with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The purpose of the support group is to provide a non-threatening and non-judgmental environment for members to express their feelings, needs and concerns. The support group setting also provides a comfortable atmosphere for exchange of educational information and can serve as a clearinghouse for questions ranging from dementia to referrals to community resources. Alexandra Jesina, a support group member in Northern Virginia reiterates the importance of the support group, "The hour and a half that I spend with my support group gives me the strength to make it through the next two weeks before the group meets again." Jesina is a caregiver for her husband who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years ago. Pat Height, a support group leader and Warrenton resident, is thankful that there are support groups available in Fauquier County. "It is so hard for people to leave their homes when they are caring for a loved one with dementia," Height says. "Their time is precious. It would be so difficult for a Warrenton or Fauquier County resident to travel to support groups in Fairfax County." The Warrenton support group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at The Manor House; 327 Oak Spring Drive. Please contact support group leader Pat Height (540/347-7177). The Marshall support group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Marshall Manor; 8645 John Marshall Highway. Please contact support group leaders Gail Mann (540/338-4976) and Judi Kern (703/754-2276) for more information. The Northern Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association provides information on Alzheimer's disease, other memory-related diseases, and the most current medical research. Our Helpline specialists provide referrals, counseling and information on the Chapter's programs, services and community resources. For more information, please contact Janet Light at the Piedmont Area Office in Warrenton, Virginia at (540) 347-6273.
Last updated: March 3, 1999
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