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1. Is there a support group for Alzheimer's on Nantucket?

Yes, there are two support groups held each month on Nantucket. A support group for Alzheimer’s meets at Our Island Home the last Friday of every month from 1-2 p.m., located at:
9 E. Creek Road
Nantucket, MA 02554

Please call Sheila Barrett at 508-228-0462 for more information.

Alzheimer’s Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. provides services periodically on island at different locations. For more information about their services, informational forums, memory screenings or support meetings, and their guest speakers, please call the Alzheimer’s Services Office by dialing 508-775-5656.

2. Is there a support group for cancer on Nantucket?

Yes, there is a support group that meets every other Monday from 1-2:30 p.m. in the offices of the Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, located at:
Visiting Nurses Building
Behind Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Nantucket, MA 02554

For more information please contact Charlene Thurston or Ginnie Farria by calling 508-825-8325, or visiting:
Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket
57 Prospect St.
Nantucket, MA 02554

3. Is there a support group for caregivers?

Yes, Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket Provides a Caregivers Connection - serving family caregivers. They offer monthly sessions, private consultations, and a variety of support for family members who provide care for others. This support may include, but is not limited to:

• Requesting an overall evaluation of the situation, including an assessment of the person they help care for, and can receive information support and education about various topics, e.g., the disease process (including Alzheimer's Disease)
• Managing medications
• Giving personal care
• Maintaining safety
• Planning for future health care needs
• Caring for themselves while caring for someone else

Please call Hospice Care of Nantucket at 508-825-5325 for more information.

4. Is there someone who sees Elderly residents for mental health?

Yes, David P. Chew Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) has been awarded a small title III grant from Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands to provide outreach mental hygiene services to the elderly population on Nantucket.

These services will include biopsychosocial evaluations and brief counseling. The behavioral assessments and counseling will be provided at the residence of the client at absolutely no cost to the client. All Nantucket residents over the age of 60 are eligible for these services.

The priority population targeted for this service are: residents of Nantucket economically disadvantaged, low-income minority, possessing a disability, limited English speaking, Alzheimer's diagnosis.