The Holmstad offers Helping Hearts for memory loss support

Helping Hearts, a free memory loss support group for caregivers and family members, is offered from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month in the Town Center classroom at The Holmstad, a senior living community located at 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia.

Registration is not required to attend the support group. But if your loved one requires care while you attend, you must reserve a spot by calling Brenda Lowden, RN, at (630) 879-4034 or emailing her at BJLowden@covenantretirement.org. The care is provided free of charge.

The Holmstad Helping Hearts is a safe, confidential place to talk about your experience as a caregiver, meet new people, and learn and share ideas.

Jeanne Marie Snarich, a licensed clinical social worker, will lead group discussions that will include managing and coping with difficult behaviors; self-care and coping skills; safety issues; connecting with your loved one who has dementia; stress management; telling others about the diagnosis and establishing boundaries; holiday blues/grief and loss; and acceptance and letting go. Educational materials and referral services will be provided. Refreshments will be served.

The Holmstad is a faith-based, nonprofit continuing care retirement community located at 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, one of the nation's largest nonprofit senior services providers. It serves 5,000 residents at 15 retirement communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on The Holmstad, call (877) 226-7310 or visit www.TheHolmstad.org.