Caregiver support

We’re here for you.

Caring for a loved one diagnosed with dementia can be hard. It can be difficult to know when to intervene, what services are available, how to choose the right care environment, and how to cope with the day-to-day challenges that arise from dementia — all while maintaining your own life.

Support groups

Hearts & Minds Activity Center is committed to caregiver empowerment, assistance, and education. We provide a number of support groups, all of which are open to the public and free of charge. Our support groups offer a welcoming and supportive environment and are led by caring, compassionate, and experienced volunteers.

If you would like more information or are interested in attending any of our support groups or quarterly seminars, please contact us at (408) 279-7515.

In this peer-led group facilitated by Maria Nicolacoudis, the CEO of Hearts & Minds Activity Center, caregivers share stories, information, best practices, support, and even laughter in a small group setting. Tips for managing stress and caregiver fatigue as well as the chance to connect over shared issues and concerns are provided. Space is limited. Groups are held on the third Wednesday of the month from 3:30-4:30 pm, and on the first Thursday of the month from 4:00-5:00 pm. 

Facilitator Tami Anastasia, MA has a master’s degree in counseling and specializes in assisting caregivers with balancing their own needs as well as those they care for. This group provides a safe space to express frustrations – free from judgment – and find solutions to the challenges that arise from caregiving. Support groups are held weekly on Thursdays at 2:00 pm. Click here to join (meeting ID: 817 7835 9514; passcode: 765808)!

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the Zoom sessions. May is wonderful. My husband happily says hello to her whenever we log in and although he doesn’t actively participate he watches, laughs and makes funny faces from time to time. I’ve enjoyed them as well and actually learned quite a bit, both from May and from the interesting things she shares. The Zoom sessions have also helped me cope. Seeing a friendly, understanding face is a lifeline. This service has added a much-needed structure – and friendly faces – to our days.

D.P.

Service partners

Hearts & Minds works with service providers who understand the needs of individuals living with dementia. The following service providers have demonstrated quality and expertise of service.

When the symptoms of dementia reach a point at which it is no longer possible to keep your loved one at home, residential care can be an option. Following is a list of residential memory care service providers who have served many of the families of Hearts & Minds.

Palm Villas

Sonnet Hill

Cedar Creek

Atria

Rose Garden Elder Care

Morningstar Senior Living Memory Care

Brookdale Senior Living

Belmont Village

Oakmont of San Jose

Families may need in-home care at nights or on weekends when Hearts & Minds Activity Center is not available. Following is a list of In-Home service providers who have served many of the families of Hearts & Minds.

Home Care Assistance

Phlex65

Synergy Home Care

Stay at Home Senior Care

Bridge Home and Hospice Care

Care Indeeed

Ready 2 Nurse