Alzheimer’s Illinois — Free Dementia Caregiver Support Groups in Illinois
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter offers free in-person and virtual caregiver support groups for dementia caregivers throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. As the state’s leading dementia organization, the Illinois Chapter coordinates a robust roster of groups led by trained facilitators, paired with care consultations, education programs, and the 24/7 Helpline that’s available to caregivers anytime day or night.
What to Expect
Groups meet by phone, video, and in person at sites across the state — from Chicago’s neighborhoods out to the collar counties and downstate Illinois. Sessions are facilitated by trained volunteer leaders, most of whom have been caregivers themselves. The format is confidential and peer-driven: members share what’s happening for them, listen to others, and trade strategies on the practical and emotional weight of dementia caregiving. The Illinois Chapter also runs specialized groups including early-stage caregiver groups, adult-child groups, and groups in multiple languages reflecting the diversity of the Chicago region.
Who This Group Is For
The groups serve anyone caring for a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or related conditions. Adult children, spouses, partners, siblings, grandchildren, and friends are all welcome. The Illinois Chapter is particularly strong on early-stage support — for families where the person with dementia is still able to participate in some decisions — and post-loss groups for caregivers whose loved one has died from dementia.
Why Peer Support Works
Dementia caregiving has a particular trajectory — years of slow change, harder transitions, and the daily work of adjusting expectations. Peer support groups give caregivers a steady place to make sense of what’s happening, learn from others further along the road, and feel less alone in the role. The Illinois Chapter’s broad reach means most caregivers in the state can find a group nearby, in their preferred format, at a time that fits their life.
How to Join
All services are free. Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 to be matched to a support group near you, or visit alz.org/illinois/support to view the current schedule. The Helpline also offers free care consultations, education programs, and connection to community resources across Illinois.