Support group benefits Jacksonville couple
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

Bob and Jo Ann Bass of Jacksonville are regular attenders at the Alzheimer's support group meeting at the Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union in Rusk.

"When we first started attending the session in the fall of 2005, I really needed it," Mrs. Bass said. "My dad was terminally ill and my mother was 90. I was stressed out as I was the main care giver. My father needed 24 hour per day seven days a week care." Since that time her father died and her mother went to live in a nursing home last December.

Mr. Bass said he began attending the meetings as a support person for his wife.

"We found out that if the caregiver doesn't take care of themselves first then no one receives help," Mrs. Bass said.

The sessions are sponsored by Lexington Place and a free lunch is provided.

"During these meetings we learn what is available to us and our families," Mrs. Bass said.

Speakers at meetings have included representatives of home health agencies, Alzheimer's Alliance representative, Jacksonville physician Dr. Laura Welch and persons from the Alzheimer's support peer group.

"We have had people talking about the new wander alert device. Alzheimer patients wear a bracelet that they cannot take off. So if they are lost they can be located from the readings from the bracelet. This is a wonderful help for families," Mrs. Bass said.

Among the regular attenders are a pastor, directors of nursing, medical representative and drug company representatives.

The Basses learned of the group from the Alzheimer's Alliance office in Tyler. "We have been attending the meetings every since then. We have learned about nursing homes and home health. And, we have found out there are excellent nurses and aides at the facilities," Mrs. Bass said.

"The meetings have made a big difference in our lives. We have an opportunity to communicate with people with the same problems that we have. We gain strength from our meetings. And of course our faith in God is a great help. We meet with other Christians and the meetings are always opened with prayer," Mrs. Bass said.

The Rusk Alzheimer's support group meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union. The public is invited to attend. Reservation for the free lunch may be made by calling Bobbie Orsack at Lexington Place (903) 683-5438.