There are many support groups, memory cafes, conferences, and other events available on virtual platforms. Since these events are held via telephone or videoconference, people across Wisconsin are invited to participate. A list of virtual Support Groups, Memory Cafes, and Ongoing Events hosted by Wisconsin agencies is posted below. Find information about online Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes here.
VIRTUAL EVENTS OFFERED by Partners
AARP - Friendly Voices: If you or someone you love is feeling isolated or anxious in these challenging times, hearing a friendly voice on the phone may help. That’s why we created the AARP Friendly Voice program – a trained, caring group of volunteers standing by ready to chat, listen, or just say hello. It’s easy. Request a call by dialing AARP at 1-888-281-0145 for English or 1-888-497-4108 for Spanish, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time.
American Cancer Society: Call us or use our Live Chat feature for assistance with the following or any other inquiries you may have: Cancer-related information and referrals to patient-related programs or resources, Donations, website or event-related assistance, Tobacco-related topics, and Volunteer opportunities.
Alzheimer's Association - Wisconsin Chapter: Has several Webinar/Phone Family Caregiver Education Programs that can be accessed via their website.
Caregiver SOS On Air: This half-hour weekly radio show/podcast airs on Saturdays and Sundays on 930 (AM) The Answer KLUP in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Tampa, FL. Hosted by nationally recognized gerontologist Carol Zernial and veteran broadcaster and attorney Ron Aaron, and features a wide variety of caregivers, medical experts, and others. Caregiver SOS On Air explores issues important to you.
Caregiver Teleconnection Program: Has one-hour conference calls two to three times each week as well as archived programs for any caregiver.
Caring Better & Braver • A podcast on Anchor: Offered by LaCrosse County, Caring Better & Braver: Caregiving is both a joy and a challenge. Most of the time, we don't see ourselves as "caregivers". Instead, we identify as the wife/husband/parent/grandparent/child/sibling/friend or neighbor. Suddenly you realize that you've become a caregiver and it's a real job - often unpaid. Millions of people find themselves in this situation every year. About 1 in 7 Americans take on the role of an unpaid family caregiver at any given time. Caring Better & Braver offers family caregivers a means to feel recognized, connected, supported, and informed. You are not alone!
Certified Direct Care Professional (CDCP): Free training, bonuses, and access to job opportunities. Get a jump start on a new healthcare career. A free online program to become a Certified Direct Care Professional (CDCP) trains you to make life better for older adults and people with a disability. Becoming a CDCP will prepare you to enter the caregiving workforce, the first step on a career path with unlimited opportunity.
D.I.A.L.: The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living. Launched in 2021 to help people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations, DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more.
Falls Free WI for Caregivers: Caregivers give so much to others. It’s especially important to take steps to prevent your own falls to be able to continue to care for loved ones.
Journey Ahead - Aging Well in the Chippewa Valley: Features upbeat conversations with area experts on how you or your aging loved ones can live life to the fullest in the Chippewa Valley.
Lorenzo's House: We are a nonprofit social impact organization designed to empower youth and families, living with younger-onset dementia.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: classes to help caregivers take better care of themslevees while caring for a friend or relative.
Reach To Recovery: If you are facing breast cancer, it may help to connect with someone who knows what you're feeling – someone who is a breast cancer survivor, someone who can answer your questions because they have “been there." Through our secure Reach To Recovery website and app, you can create an online profile and match with trained volunteers based on your diagnosis and treatment options.
The Empowered Caregiver: The Empowered Caregiver Community is here to uplift caregivers through education and support while also lifting up their invaluable role in society”.
The Respite Care Provider Training (RCPT): is a series of free courses for anyone interested in providing respite care as a career, a part-time job, or even a volunteer activity to individuals with varying disabilities and ages. Learners can work at their own pace to complete the ten required online courses, stopping and starting as needed.
United Way: 211 Wisconsin, in partnership with AARP, is offering direct and consistent contact to caregivers throughout the state. This project is intended to reach informal/unpaid family caregivers who are 18 years or older, who are providing care to those 18+. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this type of connection, call 211.
Wisconsin Dementia Care Project Learning Center: Are you interested in learning more about dementia including Alzheimer's Disease? Are you a family or professional caregiver or do you play another role in the life of someone who is living with dementia?
This program offers a series of online and classroom-style dementia courses, originally developed for and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The curriculum is appropriate for a variety of learners from beginning to advanced levels.
VA Caregiver Support Program - Caregivers Support Line (CSL): Is a toll-free number for caregivers, family members, friends, Veterans, and community partners to contact for information related to caregiving and available supports and services.
The Wisconsin Adoption & Permanency Support: Program hosts support groups and events for Grandparents and Relative Caregivers.
ONGOING VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS
MONDAYS
Every Monday at 10:00 am - Dementia Caregiver Coffee connect
Open to all caregivers of persons with memory impairment. Join other caregivers and Dementia Care Specialists from various counties for emotional, educational, and social support. To register, please call 608-386-0767.
First Monday of the month from 7:00 - 8:00 pm - Monday D.I.S.H. (Dementia Informed Super Heroes)
Are you employed and caring for a parent or family member who has dementia? This group is focused on working children and spouses that are caring for someone with dementia. Join us virtually for support and resources. To register contact Scott Seeger at 715-261-6066 or email at scott.seeger@adrc-cw.org
First and Third Monday of the Month at 10:00 am - Caregiver Coffee Hour
Open to all caregivers of persons of cognitive impairment or dementia. Join Dementia Care Specialist from Dodge, Jefferson, and Rock Counties. Group does not meet on holidays/observed holidays. To particpate please contact Rob Griesel, Dodge County DCS at rgriesel@co.dodge.wi.us or 920-386-4308 or Karen Tennyson, Rock County DCS at 608-741-3615.
TUESDAYS
Second Tuesday of the month from 9:30-11:00 am - Family Caregivers for a Loved One with Dementia in the Early Stages
Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association; please register by calling 800-272-3900.
Second and Fourth Tuesday of the month from 5:30 - 7:00 pm - Grandparent Connections
Are you raising your grandchildren? Parenting has changed and so have you! Join other grandparents who understand the challenges and special joys of parenting the second time around. REFRESH YOUR PARENTING SKILLS MEET OTHERS LIKE YOU SHARE YOUR WISDOM TO SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER. REGISTRATION REQUIRED Contact: Beth Emmerich-Ilecki Text: 414-301-1269 or email: bilecki@theparentingnetwork.org.
Second Tuesday of the month (No Dec Mtg.) at 1:30 pm - Caregiver Friends Support Group
Third Tuesday of the month at 9:00 am-10:00 am - Let's Talk Over Coffee
This is a social group for those caring for a loved one with dementia. The purpose of this group is to provide social engagement for caregivers to have an opportunity to talk to other caregivers about lighthearted topics and focus on positives amongst all the challenges in our world right now. To register contact dcs@milwaukeecountywi.gov or (414) 289-6259
Third Tuesday of the month from 2 - 3 pm Circle of Support
This is a dementia-speccific support group that offers participants the chance to share, gain new insights & coping skills, and be encouraged. To register please contat Becky Kamrowski at becky.kamrowski@co.trempealeau.wi.us or 715-538-1930.
Third Tuesday of each month at 4:30 pm - Early Evening Caregiver Support Group
Please join us by video or audio for our monthly early evening Caregiver Support Group, open to all caregivers. For more information or to register, please contact Carley Prochaska Lee, Dementia Care Specialist, Portage County ADRC at 715-346-1401.
Fourth Tuesday of the month from 10:00-11:30 am - Family Caregivers for a Loved One with Dementia in the Early Stages
Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association; please register by calling 800-272-3900.
WEDNESDAYS
Every Wednesday at 10:00 am - Support Group for Dementia Caregivers
Come to receive support, education, laugh, connectedness with other caregivers or those who are providing support to someone living with dementia. Anyone is welcome! To register, call 920-675-4035 or e-mail HeatherJ@jeffersoncountywi.gov There are virtual and call-in options.
Every Wednesday at 2:00 pm - Weekly Wednesday Caregiver Check-In
Join other caregivers to learn about dementia, get answers, learn about community resources and build relationships. To register call 920-675-4035 or email HeatherJ@jeffersoncountywi.gov. There are virtual and call-in options.
First Wednesday of the Month at 6:30 pm - Adult Child Caregiver Support Group
Gather ideas on how others deal with the everyday challenges of caring for a parent during each stage of dementia. To participate, contact Heather Moore Heather.Moore@alzwisc.org
Third Wednesday of the Month at 6 pm - KINnect Support Group
A free monthly virtual support group for relative caregivers of children in Wisconsin. Please join us for this opportunity to connect with others for learning and as a way to share the joys and challenges of being a relative caregiver. Click here to register: VIRTUAL GROUP: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children - Evening Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite. Questions? Email info@wisapsp.org or call 1-833-WIS-APSP.
Second Wednesday of the month from 10:00-11:30 am - For Persons Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association; please register by calling 800-272-3900.
Second Wednesday of the month from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm - Virtual Caregiver Support Group
We are offering the opportunity for caregivers from Manitowoc and Kewaunee Counties, caring for someone 60 years or older, to meet over the phone or through our web/app-based service to share ideas and connect with others. To register and receive additional information, call Ariel Yang at 877-416-7083.
Second Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm - Virtual Caregiver Support Group
Please join us by video or audio for our monthly Caregiver Support Group, open to all caregivers. For more information or to register, please contact Carley Prochaska Lee, Dementia Care Specialist, Portage County ADRC at 715-346-1401.
Second and Fourth Wednesday of the month from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm - Lewy Body Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Explore different ways of adapting to the ongoing stresses of caregiving for someone with Lewy Body Dementia. Exchange practical tips and information on caregiving issues and possible solutions in a safe space. To participate, please contact Rob Griesel rgriesel@co.dodge.wi.us or 920-386-4308.
Third Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 pm - Male Caregiver Support Group
Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association; please register by calling 800-272-3900.
Third Wednesday from 6:00-7:30 pm - Family Caregivers for a Loved One with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD)
Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association; please register by calling 800-272-3900.
Third Wednesday of every month at 1 pm – Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Please join us online or by phone for an hours of caregiver discussion and connection, lead by Dementia Care Specialists from Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. To register please email us at dcs@milwaukeecountywi.gov or call us at 414-289-6259.
Last Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm - Caregiver Support Group
Please join us by video or audio for our monthly Caregiver Support Group, open to all caregivers. For more information or to register, please contact the Portage County ADRC at 715-346-1401.
THURSDAYS
Every Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 pm - Evening Conversations
Connect weekly to share ideas about caregiving for your loved one with dementia. Use this weekly outlet to connet with others across the state. To register please contact Becky Kamrowski at becky.kamrowski@co.trempealeau.wi.us or 715-538-1930.
Second Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm - Caregiver Support Group
For family, friends, and other caregivers who are caring for a person with a chronic illness or disability. For more information or to obtain the link to join, please contact Southwest Wisconsin ADRC-Green County Office at 608-328-9499 or email us at resourcecenter@gchsd.org.
Second Thursday of the month from 12 - 1 pm - Virtual Tribal Caregiver Connect
The tribal Caregiver Connect session is supported by the Tribal Dementia Care Specialist in the state. Caregiver connect sessions are a great way to share stories, get tips and strategies from other caregivers journey. To register or for questions, please contact Debbie Miller at dmiller4@oneidanation.org or at 920-869 -4854, Alison Cuddy at Alison.Cuddy@lco-nsn.gov or at 715-558-7942, Katrina Decorah at katrinad@stcroixojibwe-nsn.gov or 715-349-8854 (Ext 5221), or Dori McGeshick at dori.mcgeshick@scc-nsn.gov or 715478-5190
Fourth Thursday of the month at 10:30 am - Caregiver Support Group
For family, friends, and other caregivers who are caring for a person with a chronic illness or disability. For more information or to obtain the link to join, please contact Southwest Wisconsin ADRC-Green County Office at 608-328-9499 or email us at resourcecenter@gchsd.org.
Fourth Thursday from 1:00-2:30 pm - Male Caregiver Support Group
Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association; please register by calling 800-272-3900.
Last Thursday of the Month from at 11 am - KINnect Support Group
A free monthly virtual support group for relative caregivers of children in Wisconsin. Please join us for this opportunity to connect with others for learning and as a way to share the joys and challenges of being a relative caregiver. Click here to register: VIRTUAL GROUP: KINnect Relative Caregivers of Children - Evening Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite. Questions? Email info@wisapsp.org or call 1-833-WIS-APSP.
FRIDAYS
Every Friday 9 am - 10 am - Early Stage Virtual Caregiver Support Group
To learn more information please contact Karen Tennyson, Rock County Dementia Care Specialist at 608-741-3615
Every OTHER Friday from 10:00-11:30 am - Family Caregivers for a Loved One with Dementia Living at a Facility
Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association; please register by calling 800-272-3900.
The Alzheimer's Association facilitates several virtual support groups including a group for persons living with Mild Cognitive Impairment, a group for male family caregivers, a group for family caregivers for a loved with living in a facility, for a loved one in the early stages of dementia, and for a loved one with Frontotemporal Degeneration. View Support Group Details
ONGOING VIRTUAL MEMORY CAFES
(Memory Cafes provide a way for persons with memory loss and their care partner to socialize with other people going through similar journeys.)
Tuesdays at 11:00 am - Fox Valley Memory Project Zoom Memory Cafe
Learn more by visiting https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/memory-cafes/ or contacting Harper at harper@foxvalleymemoryproject.org or by calling 920-225-1711.
First and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am-10:30 am - Caregiver Virtual Café
Caregivers of any age caring for someone with any condition are welcome to share ideas, offer support, and socialize. For more information contact the Eau Claire County Aging and Disability Resource Center @ 715-839-4735. To Register call 715-839-6714 or email dana.greicar@co.eau-claire.wi.us
Second Tuesday of the month from 10:00-11:30 pm - Chippewa Valley Memory Cafe - 2021 Virtual Time Travelers Series
Join us as we go back in time to explore how those in the past lived, worked, and played in the Chippewa Valley. This group is open to anyone that is interested, as well as caregivers and those living with memory loss. This is a collaboration of the Chippewa valley Musem and the ADRC. Register online at www.adrcevents.org or call the ADRC at 715-839-4735.
Second of the month at 1:00 PM - Virtual Memory Cafe
A place for persons with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage Alzheimer's, or related dementia, and their care partners to socialize and have fun, all from the comfort of your home. To register please call Kimberly Bauer, Dementia Care Specialist for St. Croix County at 715-381-4411.
Second Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am - Virtual Memory Café
To register please call Carley Prochaska Lee, Dementia Care Specialist at the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Portage County at 715-346-1401or emailing to prochasc@co.portage.wi.us
Second Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm - Virtual Lakeshore Memory Cafe
To register, please call (262) 741-3273 or email walcoadrc@co.walworth.wi.us
Second and Third Wednesday of the month from 10 am to 11 am - Wacky Wednesday Memory Café
Please contact Karen Tennyson, Rock County Dementia Care Specialist at 608-741-3615 for more information.
Every Thursday at 11:00 am - Think Cap Cafe
Connect, engage and socialize with old friends and new friends! Did you know that loneliness, isolation, and sitting all day have been identified as risk factors for Alzheimer’s (the most common type of dementia), and is the 4th leading cause of death for older Black adults? You can reduce your risk for dementia and, in some cases, slow the progression of the disease by being active, connecting socially, and engaging in mental activities. To register, contact Deana at DeanaW@NewBridgeMadison.org or (608) 512-0000 Ext. 2007
Every Thursday at 1:30 pm - Fox Valley Memory Project Zoom Memory Cafe
Learn more by visiting https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/memory-cafes/ or contact Harper at harper@foxvalleymemoryproject.org or by calling 920-225-1711.
Third Friday of the month at 10:00 am - Virtual Memory Café
For persons with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage Alzheimer's, or related dementia, and their care partners. Attendees can travel virtually to familiar and new places, reminisce about time spent there, or learn something new! Many of the cafes are centered around history, music, dancing, and other stimulating subjects. For more information, contact Janet Wiegel at Janet.Wiegel@alzwisc.org
Third Friday of the month at 9:30 am - Burlington Area Memory Cafe
To register, please contact Chad Sutkay at (262) 212-3596 or email at csutkay@touchinghearts.com
ONGOING VIRTUAL EVENTS
Every Wednesday at 10:00 am - Wacky Wednesday for Fun and Socialization
To register please contact Karen Tennyson, Rock County Dementia Care Specialist at 608-741-3615.
Every Wednesday at 1:30 pm - Knowledge is Power Hour - Educational Programming
Register by emailing caregiving@co.rock.wi.us or calling Cori at 608-921-7165.
First Wednesday of the month at 1:00 - Webinar Wednesdays
Each month be sure to register for this 60-minute informative webinar regarding respite care in Wisconsin. RCAW staff will summarize how their programs, grants, FREE online training, and resources can maximize other primary caregiver support programs (45 minutes). Each month, Webinar Wednesday will also host guest speakers who are subject-matter experts (15 minutes) to educate viewers on various respite-related topics. Open to anyone interested in learning more about respite and related resources. For more info, check out RCAW’s website https://www.respitecarewi.org To register visit https://respitecarewi.org/webinar-wednesdays/
Fourth Wednesday @ 4:00 pm - Outagamie Caregiver Coalition Chats
Caregivers of any age are invited to participate in this one-hour Zoom chat. This is open to anyone interested in participating, you do not need to live in Outagamie County! Contact Karen Dickrell, Extension Outagamie at 920-832-5126 or email: karen.dickrell@wisc.edu