Partnering Together: Atria and CaringKind have teamed up to support families dealing with dementia

An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis often comes with anxiety, fear and frustration for the whole family.

At Atria, we see this every day with the families we serve in our specialized memory care neighborhoods. That’s why we’ve teamed up with CaringKind – an organization that has spent over 40 years developing dementia tools and training – to offer the Partnering Together workshop for Atria families.

Amy G., the daughter of an Atria resident, was reluctant to join the workshop at first. “I’d been in a support group before, and I didn’t get anything out of it,” she says. “But this isn’t like that.”

What Amy appreciates most about the group is the expert leadership of the facilitators, developing a more scientific understanding of the disease, and, she says, “The group is very small. We’re getting to know each other, and the supportive environment is very helpful for me.”

What is Partnering Together?

Partnering Together is a 10-week, small-group workshop for families of memory care residents at participating Atria communities. The program was developed by Dr. Edward Shaw, an oncologist and licensed clinical counselor, after caring for his wife.

Following the guidance of Dr. Shaw’s book, The Dementia Care Partner’s Workbook, this program is designed to help those navigating the early stages of a family member’s dementia diagnosis.

Key features of the program

• A supportive small group: Limited to 12 participants, this workshop offers an intimate and trusting environment where everyone is encouraged to share experiences and receive support.
• Led by trained facilitators: Each session provides participants with practical tools and emotional support.
• Ten 60-minute virtual sessions: Participants join weekly via a video call.
• Covers a range of topics: Each week highlights a different aspect of dementia, from understanding brain function to adapting to changes in relationships, even legal and financial planning.

The benefits of dementia support

Caring for a parent with dementia can be overwhelming and isolating, but Partnering Together eases some of that burden by focusing on connection and education. Participants share their experiences, learn new coping strategies, and discover a greater sense of belonging in their role as a care partner.

“The group has helped me come to terms with the limits presented by dementia,” says Stephanie G., whose sister is living in an Atria Life Guidance^® memory care neighborhood. “We all feel guilty about different things. The group provides a forum for us to see that this is something a lot of other people are going through.”

From practical questions like, “How can I help my mother live well with dementia?” to deeply personal questions like, “How can I maintain a relationship with her if she doesn’t remember me?” Partnering Together helps relieve anxiety and find answers.

Why dementia services and support are crucial for caregivers

Caring for someone experiencing Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is challenging. A long-established relationship can become strained through uncertainty. That’s where programs like Partnering Together can make a profound difference.

Education empowers care partners to anticipate changes and provide compassionate care. With greater understanding of dementia comes greater patience and empathy, and support systems can be invaluable to caregivers who may feel guilt, frustration and loneliness.

A program like Partnering Together offers caregivers a safe place to work through their grief, seek advice and connect with others who truly understand their situation.

Participating communities

The Partnering Together program is available to family members and caregivers of Atria’s Life Guidance^® memory care residents. To learn more about Atria’s memory care services or the Partnering Together program, reach out to one of our participating communities:

• Atria Bay Shore - Bay Shore, NY
• Atria Center City - Philadelphia, PA
• Atria East Northport - East Northport, NY
• Atria Lafayette Hill - Lafayette Hill, PA
• Atria Stamford - Stamford, CT
• Atria Tinton Falls - Tinton Falls, NJ
• Atria Park of Lynbrook - Lynbrook, NY

Each community is proud to offer this resource as part of its broader commitment to providing personalized, compassionate support for individuals living with dementia – as well as their families.