New offering provides expert guidance and peer support for individuals living with
early stage dementia and their care partners
SAVANNAH, Ga. Senior Citizens Inc. (SCI), coastal Georgia’s trusted expert in aging, is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter and the Marshes of Skidaway Island to launch a new support group specifically for individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and their care partners.
The first monthly group will begin Monday, September 21, 2026—World Alzheimer’s Day—from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at Senior Citizens Inc., 3025 Bull Street in Savannah (parking and main entrance on Jasper Street).
Observed annually on September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day brings attention to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia while encouraging greater understanding and support for individuals and families affected by a diagnosis. The launch of this new group turns that awareness into meaningful local action by providing families with trusted information, practical guidance and a supportive community.
Participants will come together for shared information and conversation and will also have opportunities to meet in separate breakout groups—one for individuals living with dementia and one for care partners. This format will give everyone a common foundation while also providing a comfortable setting in which each group can speak candidly, ask questions and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Discussion topics will be shaped by the needs and priorities of participants. They may include practical home modifications that support safety and independence, preparing for changing and long-term needs, navigating relationships and responsibilities, finding trusted community resources, and continuing to live a meaningful and engaged life following a diagnosis. The group will also draw from Lisa Snyder’s book, Living Your Best with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s: An Essential Guide.
“An early-stage diagnosis can bring many questions, but no one should have to face those questions alone,” said Patti Lyons, President of Senior Citizens Inc. “This group will provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals living with dementia and their care partners can speak openly, learn from trusted experts and connect with others who understand what they are experiencing. Most importantly, it will help participants focus not only on the challenges ahead, but also on how they can continue living fully and meaningfully today and tomorrow.”
Unlike traditional caregiver-only support groups, the new program recognizes the individual living with dementia as an active participant in conversations and decisions about the future. Care partners will attend alongside them, creating opportunities for both individuals to learn, communicate and plan together.
“World Alzheimer’s Day reminds us that a diagnosis may change someone’s life, but it does not change the value of that person’s voice, experiences or hopes for the future,” said Alexis Williamsm, Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter Community Engagement Manager. “Through this partnership, we are combining the Alzheimer’s Association’s specialized knowledge of dementia with Senior Citizens Inc.’s deep expertise in aging and understanding of the coastal Georgia community. Together, we can help individuals and their care partners move forward with reliable information, practical tools and the reassurance that they are not alone.”
The support group format will allow facilitators to respond to the specific interests and concerns of participants. While each group will explore important early-stage topics, the direction and depth of those conversations will depend on what members identify as most helpful.
Advance registration is required. To learn more or register for the September 21st group, please call 800-272-3600.
ABOUT SCI
Senior Citizens Inc. (SCI) has been helping people in coastal Georgia age successfully since 1959 through a variety of programs including Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Health Centers, The Learning Center, and much more. To learn more about SCI and its services, please visit www.SeniorCitizensInc.org or call 912-236-0363
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