Since January 2017, Alzheimer Iceland has been providing support groups for the relatives of people with dementia twice a month and since October 2019, a support group for "younger" descendants of people with dementia once a month. All relatives of people with dementia are welcome and are encouraged to attend and participate. There is no need to register, and admission is free. Relatives are a diverse group of people with different needs, but what they have in common is having a loved one at home, in a specialised day care centre or in a nursing home. The groups are based on the ideology of peer support and the purpose of these meetings is for people to meet, chat and share their experiences. Supporting others in similar situations can improve their well-being and reduce stress.
Sigurbjörg Hannesdóttir, occupational therapist, works as the educational director of the Alzheimer Iceland and she also gives advice at the association's office. Counselling and support interviews are offered for individuals and couples and family meetings if more members want to come together. It does not matter where in the process an individual or family is at present, when asking for an interview. For those who do not have a home or live outside the capital area, they can call and request a counselling interview by phone or teleconferencing equipment. Alzheimer Iceland offers its members legal advice free of charge (only legal advice, not case management or documentation). The counselling most often takes place by phone. Telephone counselling is offered for those living outside the capital area.
