SUPPORT GROUPS

Support groups can be a valuable tool for coping with the stresses and emotional strain that often accompany caring for a loved one.

There are numerous support groups that meet throughout the MetroWest region, ranging from groups dealing with general caregiving issues to others designed for people caring for loved ones suffering from specific ailments and illnesses.

The all-encompassing demands that some caregivers face can make getting to a support group meeting difficult. There are alternatives, with some organizations offering support groups by phone and many discussion forums and message boards available online.

Note: Scheduling of support groups is subject to change. Please call to confirm time, location and space availability before attending.

Caregiver Support Groups:

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we strongly encourage you to contact the resources below to inquire about their operating restrictions during this crisis. 

Bridges by EPOCH – Memory Care Assisted Living at Sudbury
Caregiver Support Group
Location: 1 Farmstead Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776
Time: Second Wednesday of every month, 12 p.m.
Contact: For more info or to RSVP, call Cindy at 978-261-7007
You can also RSVP online

Callahan Center
Location: 535 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA
Time: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 1 p.m.
Contact: 508-532-5980
Note: Please call ahead to ensure groups are meeting as scheduled.

Callahan Center Evening Caregiver Support Group
Location: 535 Union Avenue,Framingham, MA
Time: Second Wednesday of the month, 6-7 p.m.
Contact: 508-532-5980

Goddard House Adult Children Caregivers Group
Location: 165 Chestnut Street, Brookline, MA
Time: Second Tuesday of the month, 7- 8 p.m.
Facilitated by Barbara Moscowitz, MSW
Contact: Emily Judd, 617-731-8500 x105
MUST CALL TO CONFIRM THE ACCURACY OF THIS LISTING

Mansfield Adult Day Health Center – Caregiver Support Group
Location: 300 Branch Street, Mansfield, MA
Time: Fourth Thursday of each month, 10-11:15 a.m.
Contact: 508-339-2119

Medfield Council on Aging – Caregiver Support Group
Location: One Ice House Road, Medfield, MA 02052
Time: Last Thursday of the month, 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Lisa Donovan, 508-359-3665

Natick Community-Senior Center – Caregiver Support Group
Location: 117 East Central Street, Natick, MA 01760
Time: First and third Thursdays of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Contact: Debra Budd, 508-647-6540 x1906

Norwood Adult Day Health Center – Caregiver Support Group
Location: 595 Pleasant Street, Norwood, MA
Time: Last Tuesday of each month, 10-11:45 a.m.
Contact: 781-769-4495
Respite care is offered with reservation in advance.

Sherborn Council on Aging – Caregiver Support Group
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church
11 Washington Street, Sherborn, MA 01770
Time: First and third Tuesdays of the month, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Contact: Susan Wells 508-651-7858
Note: Please call ahead so that the Council on Aging knows who is attending.

Southborough Senior Center – Caregiver Support Group
Location: 9 Cordaville Road, Southborough, MA
Time: Third Monday of the month, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Contact: 508-229-4453
Note: Please call ahead to confirm

Whitney Place at Natick – Evening Group
Location: 3 Vision Drive, Route 9 West, Natick, MA
Time: Fourth Monday of the month 6-7:30 p.m.
Contact: Maryann Cardani at 508-875-3100 ext) 170

Whitney Place at Natick – Day Time Group
Location: 3 Vision Drive, Route 9 West, Natick, MA
Time: Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Contact: Diane Tonelli, 508-242-3732

Whitney Place at Westborough – Evening Group
Location: 5 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA
Time: First Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Contact: Diane Tonelli, 508-556-6234 x3543

Whitney Place at Westborough – Day Time Group
Location: 5 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA
Time: Second and fourth Thursday of the month, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Contact: Diane Tonelli, 508-556-6234 x3543

Alzheimer and Dementia Caregiver Groups:

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we strongly encourage you to contact the resources below to inquire about their operating restrictions during this crisis. 

Atria Draper Place – Dementia Support Group
Location: 25 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA 01747
Time: Third Tuesday of the month, 1-2 p.m.
Contact: 508-876-2833 | RSVP is appreciated but not required.

Alzheimer’s Association LGBTQ Phone Support Group
Join other LGBTQ spouses and partners to support one another while receiving information and resources on Alzheimer`s disease and related forms of dementia.
Time: First Monday of the month from 1-2 p.m.
Contact: Call Barb Meehan at 508-291-0660 or email bamscats@gmail.com for details on timing and call-in information.

Community VNA – Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Location: 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA
Time: First Tuesday of month, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Contact: 508-222-0118

Cornerstone Assisted Living
Location: 11 Birch Street, Milford, MA 01757
Time: Second Thursday of month, 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Ronnie Brown, 508-473-0035

Franklin Senior Center
Location: 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Time: Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 4 p.m.
Contact: For more information, call the Senior Center at 508-520-4945.
Note: Respite care is available. Call ahead to make arrangements.

Golden Pond Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group
Location: Ice House Pub Lounge in Golden Pond Assisted Living Lodge
50 West Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
Time: Third Thursday of month, 5-6 p.m.
Contact: Liz Kemp, LCSW, 508-435-1250, x29

Heritage Assisted Living
Location: 747 Water Street, Framingham, MA
Time: First Thursday of the month, 1-2 p.m.
Contact: Judy Sabol, 508-788-6050 x120

Home Instead at Natick
Location: 209 West Central Street, Natick, MA
Time: Second Monday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m.
Contact: Felicia Cardone, 888-377-4446 or 508-393-8338

Home Instead at Northborough
Location: 386 West Main Street, Northborough, MA
Time: Third Monday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m.
Contact: Felicia Cardone, 888-377-4446 or 508-393-8338

Hopkinton Senior Center – VIRTUAL Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Location: Online. Please email to register and receive login information
Time: Every other Friday (Starting 10/1/21) at 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Contact: Pat Srodawa, 508-497-0108, srodawas@gmail.com

Hopkinton Senior Center – IN-PERSON Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Location: Hopkinton Senior Center. Registration appreciated.
28 Mayhew St, Hopkinton, MA
Time: Third Wednesday of each month at 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Contact: Pat Srodawa, 508-497-0108, srodawas@gmail.com

Memory Care Support Group
Location: The Commons in Lincoln, 1 Harvest Circle, Lincoln, MA 01773
Time: Fourth Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Contact: Holly Dineen at 1-877-920-5381 or hdineen@benchmarkquality.com

Natick Council on Aging – Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group 
(In partnership with JFS of MetroWest and the Alzheimer’s Association)
Location: Natick Community-Senior Center
117 E Central St, Natick, MA 01760
Time: (offered twice a week) the first Tuesday of each month from 10- 11 a.m. and the third Wednesday of each month from 2-3 p.m.
To Register: Call 508-647-6540
For Questions: Contact Malka Young at 800-655-9553 | myoung@jfsmw.org

Pleasantries Adult Day Services
Location: 195 Reservoir Street, Marlborough, MA
Time: Second Monday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
Contact: Regina Wolf Fritz – Program Director, (508) 481-0809 or info@pleasantriesads.com

The Residence at Valley Farm
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving Support Group
Address: 369 Pond Street, Ashland, MA 01721
Time: Fourth Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Contact: Call 508-532-3197 to RSVP

St. Patrick’s Manor
Location: 863 Central Street, Framingham, MA
Time: Second Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m.
Contact: Joan Murphy, 508-879-8000

Alzheimer Association Education Workshops and Support Groups

The Massachusetts and New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association also provides a list and regional map of support groups in the area on its website.

Looking for Memory Cafes?

Memory Cafe listings are on their own page of this website.

Early to Mid Stage Dementia and Care Partner Support Groups:

Whitney Place at Westborough
Location: 5 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA
Time: Second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Contact: Diane Tonelli, 508-556-6234 x3543

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Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we strongly encourage you to contact the resources below to inquire about their operating restrictions during this crisis. 

Brain Injury Support Groups:

Mild Brain Injury Survivors Support Group
Location: Saint Andrews Church, 3 Maple Street, Framingham, MA
Time: Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Contact: Barbara Webster, 508-478-7539

Family and Survivors Support Group
Location: Milford Regional Medical Center
Hill Building, Fourth Floor Conference Room
14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757
Time: Third Thursday of the month, 7-8:30 p.m.
Contact: Denise Simoneau, 508-422-2559 or dsimoneau@milreg.org

Brain Injury Survivor, Family and Caregiver Support Group
Location: Community Neuroscience Services
33 Lyman Street, Suite 400, Westborough, MA 01581
Time: Second Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Contact: Meg Lyons, 508-612-9662

Brain Games – Social Recreation Group for Survivors and Family Members
Location: Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts
30 Lyman Street, Suite 10, Westborough, MA 01581
Time: Third Wednesday of the month, 1-3 p.m.
Contact: Lori Tomasetti, 1-800-242-0030, x31
Note: If you need assistance, please bring someone with you. Space is limited, please call before attending for the first time.

Creative Minds Craft Group for Survivors and Family Members
Location: Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts
30 Lyman Street, Suite 10; Westborough, MA 01581
Time: Second Thursday of the month, 1-3 p.m.
Contact: Tress Ricker, 1-800-242-0030, x13
Note: If you need assistance, please bring someone with you. Space is limited, please call before attending for the first time.

Bereavement Support Groups:

Ashland Bereavement Support Group
Location:162 West Union Street, Ashland, MA
Time: First Thursday of the month, 1:30 p.m.
Contact: 508-881-0140

Callahan Center
Location: 535 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA
Time: Second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 1-2:30 p.m.
Contact: 508-532-5980
Note: Please call ahead to ensure groups are meeting as scheduled.

Community VNA Bereavement Support Group
Location: 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA
Time: First Monday of month, 7-8:30 p.m.
Contact: 800-220-0110
Note: Group does not meet in July; Community VNA also offers a six-week Bereavement Support and Grief Education Series. Call for more information, to register or to learn of the schedule of upcoming Grief Education group.

Grief and Belief: Experiencing Hope, Help, and Healing
For those who are working through the death of someone they love.
Location: Online via ZOOM
Time: Fridays at 4:00 p.m. EST
Contact: Dr. Vinnie Cappetta, LC, vinnie@checkyourcompass.org
How to Register: Go to MeetUp for login info and more details.
www.meetup.com/MetroWestBostonGriefGroup/

Milford Regional Medical Center Grief Support Group
Location: Milford Regional Medical Center
14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757
Time: Third Wednesday of each month, 4-5:30 p.m.
Contact: Ceceley Chambers, chaplain, at 508-488-3743
Note:This group is for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one get to cancer.

Natick Community Senior Center
Drop In Bereavement Support Group
Location: Natick Community Senior Center
117 East Central Street, Natick, MA
Time: First and third Tuesdays of the month, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Contact: For more information please call 508-647-6540.

Northborough Senior Center
Location: 119 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, MA 01532
Time: Thursdays at 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Contact: Call to confirm 508-393-5035

Drop In Bereavement Support Group
For those who have lost a loved one to suicide
Location: Lutheran Church of Framingham
Framingham, MA 01701
Time: Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7- 8:30 p.m.
Contact: For more information please call Emily Britt at 617-536-2460, ext. 5230

Samaritans, Inc. – Drop In Bereavement Support Group
For those who have lost a loved one to suicide
Location: Riverside Trauma Center
255 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA
Time: First and third Monday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m.
Contact: For more information please call Emily Britt at 617-536-2460, ext. 5230

Samaritans, Inc.
For those who have lost a loved one to suicide
Location:The Bridge
4 Mann Street, Worcester, MA
Time: First and third Tuesday of each month, 7- 8:30 p.m.
Contact: For more information please call Emily Britt at 617-536-2460, ext. 5230

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Groups:

Callahan Center
Location: 535 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA
Time: Second Wednesday of the month, 7-9 p.m.
Contact: Call Lisa at 508-532-5980 x)2 for a pre-screening prior to the group

Framingham Family Resource Center / Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
Location: 88 Lincoln Street, Framingham, MA
Time: Second and Forth Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Contact: Call Dodi Hardsog at 508-496-3221 or dodi_hardsog@waysideyouth.org
RSVP is requested. Snacks are provided

Sharon Adult Center and Council on Aging
Location: 219 Massapoag Avenue, Sharon, MA
Time: Third Thursday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m.
Contact: Susan Edinger, LICSW, at 781-784-8000.

Greendale YMCA Worcester (NEW LOCATION)
Location: 75 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA
Time: Second Monday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
Contact: Deb Dowd-Foley at 508-767-2505 or ddfoley@eswa.org
Website:  https://eswa.org/grandparents-raising-grandchildren/
Note: Child care provided

Wayland Council on Aging Grandparents Group 
Location: Town Building 2nd Fl. in the small conference room
41 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA
Time: Second Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Contact: Dr. Dossie Kahn dkahn@wayland.ma.us
Website:   www.wayland.ma.us/council-aging-coa
Download Flyer  

Caring for a Child with Chronic Illness or Special Needs Support Groups:

Support for Parents and Caregivers of Chronically-Ill and Special Needs Children Location: Millis Library, Local History Room
961 Main Street, Millis, MA
Time: Last Wednesday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Contact: Contact Shirley Riga at 413-537-7582 or shirley_riga@yahoo.com or visit shirleyriga.com for more information.
Note: Open to all parents and caregivers caring for a child or adult child with a chronic illness or special needs. Snacks will be provided.

Cancer Support Groups:

Caring for the Caregiver
Location: Milford Regional Medical Center,
2nd Flr. conference room
14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757
Time: First Wednesday of each month, 6-7 p.m.
Contact: Ann Sullivan, LICSW at 508-488-3783
Note: This group is for those who are helping a loved one get through cancer treatment.

Better Breathers Support Groups:

Callahan Center
Location: 535 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA
Time: Second Wednesday of the month, 12-1 p.m.
Contact: 508-532-5980 – Please call ahead to ensure groups are meeting as scheduled.

Northborough Senior Center
Location: 119 Bearfoot Road
Northborough, MA 01532
Time: Third Thursday of the month, 2 p.m.
Contact: Call social services at 508-393-5035

Caring for Someone with a Mental Illness Support Groups:

Employment Options
Location: 82 Brigham Street, Marlborough, MA
Time: First and third Tuesdays of the month, 7-9 p.m.
Contact: Susan Leigh, 508-272-9061

Diabetes Support Groups:

Callahan Center
Location: 535 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA
Time: Last Tuesday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m.
Contact: Call social services at 508-532-5980

Natick Council on Aging
Location: 117 East Central Street; Natick, MA
Time: Second Tuesday of the month, 10-11 a.m.
Contact: Call social services at 508-647-6540

Northborough Senior Center
Location: 119 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, MA 01532
Time: Last Tuesday of the month, 1 p.m.
Contact: Call senior center at 508-393-5035

Hearing Loss Support Groups:

Franklin Senior Center
Location: 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Time: Second Wednesday of the month, 1 p.m.
Contact: 508-520-4945 – Please call to RSVP.

Low Vision Support Groups:

Callahan Center
Location: 535 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA
Time: Third Wednesday of the month, 1-2 p.m.
Contact: 508-532-5980 – Please call ahead to ensure groups are meeting as scheduled.

Low Vision Center at the Franklin Senior Center
Location: 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA  02038
Time: Second Tuesday of the month, 1 p.m.
Contact: Maggie Gundersen and Kathy Kubit at 508-520-4945
Note: Individual Assistance and Training also available, by appointment, every Tuesday and Thursday

Natick Council on Aging
Location: 117 East Central Street, Natick, MA
Time: Third Friday of the month, 1-2:30 p.m.
Contact: Call Laurie Werle at 800-852-3029

Northborough Senior Center (On Hiatus January and February 2020)
Location: 119 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, MA 01532
Time: Second Thursday of the month, 1 p.m.
Contact: Call social services at 508-393-5035

Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups:

Ashland’s Parkinson`s Disease Support Group & Classes
Location: 167 West Union Street, Ashland, MA
Time: Second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
Contact: Chuck Kenney at 508-481-3375 -or- Jim Bartley at 508-881-8507

Callahan Center
Location: 535 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA
Time: Third Tuesday of the month, 1-2:30 p.m.
Contact: 508-532-5980 – Please call ahead to ensure groups are meeting as scheduled.

Southeastern Mass. Parkinson’s Support Group
For people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers
Location: 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA
Time: Second Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Contact: 800-220-0110

Parkinson’s Disease Support & Discussion Group for the LGBT community
Location: The Harriet Tubman House at United South End Settlements
566 Columbus Ave, Boston
Time: Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Contact: Rudy Kikel at 617-522-0397 or rudykikel@gmail.com.  

Parkinson’s Exercise Classes:

Ashland Senior Center – Parkinson’s Exercise
Location: 167 West Union Street, Ashland, MA
Time: Friday’s at 11:15 a.m.
Contact: 508-881-0140 (MUST call to confirm class is happening before attending)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – Parkinson’s Exercise Classes
Location: 183 W Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581
Time: Every Wednesday and Friday at 11:15 a.m.
Contact: 508-366-7095 (Please call before attending to confirm schedule)

Hoarding Support Groups:

Cluttering  Peer Group – Support Workshop
Location: Sudbury Senior Center (in conjunction with Marlborough Community Development Corporation)
40 Fairbank Road, Sudbury, MA
Time: 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays, May 16 through Sept. 12.
Contact: Please call Anne Manning to sign up at 978-639-3268
Note:  Participation is free, the book “Buried in Treasures” costs $20 and is required for participation. Scholarship may be available.

ClearPath Hoarding Task Force
ClearPath offers hoarding support groups in a number of MetroWest locations (Natick, Stow, Framingham, Ayer, Marlborough).
Please confirm times and location’s.
For more information:
Call: 508-658-0880
Email: clearpath@strongcommunity.org
Website: www.strongcommunity.org

This is a partial listing courtesy of CaregivingMetroWest.org. 
CaregivingMetroWest.org does not license, endorse or recommend any providers. For information call BayPath Elder Services, Inc. at 508-573-7200.

We highly recommend contacting the group your interested in prior to arriving, to ensure that the group still meets at the same time and location.  We do our best to maintain the accuracy of this information but sometimes small changes are not readily available to us.