More than 65,000 people in Mississippi live with Alzheimer’s disease, and their families often face an emotional and challenging journey. Castlewoods Place, which offers assisted living and memory care in Brandon, MS, has created a dedicated space for its new dementia support group.
Sharon B., the daughter of 90-year-old resident Freda C., is familiar with this journey. Her mother no longer recognizes her most days. “They get up at all hours. They’re like Houdini,” Sharon told a reporter with WLBT. “They get up, unlock the doors, go out on the porches, out in the yard. It’s just not a secure situation.” She kept her mother at home for three months before realizing she needed help.
Dr. Doris Bridges, Memory Care Director at Castlewoods Place, understands these challenges personally — her own grandmother had dementia, which inspired her career in social work. “We know that a lot of families have burned out. They have a lot of education that they would like to receive,” Bridges also told the news outlet. “They need that support, and we partner with the Alzheimer’s Association. We wanted to make sure that we got the word out and we’re working with the community.”
The dementia support group meets on the third Tuesday of each month, offering a space where families can share experiences, ask questions, and offer support and advice.
“It would be like a hotline to families and people. Maybe you’ve been through it and you’ve got an idea that worked with your family member. Maybe you can bring that up in the meeting and it’ll help somebody else,” Bridges said.
Experts, such as Pegasus Senior Living’s own Dr. Sandra Petersen, also stress the importance of proper care and awareness regarding medications. “It actually changes the mapping of our brain and how it functions,” Petersen, who designed the Connections memory care program, told WLBT in a follow-up report. She also noted that some over-the-counter sleep aids can increase dementia risk, underscoring the importance of regular medical guidance for older adults.
For families navigating memory care, Castlewoods Place offers more than a secure home — it provides education, community partnerships, and resources, such as the dementia support group, to help families feel empowered and connected.
Why Families Choose Us for Memory Care
At Castlewoods Place, families find a community that listens, supports, and provides practical guidance for dementia care. From personalized memory care plans to our monthly dementia support group led by experts like Dr. Doris Bridges, families can feel peace of mind that their loved ones are in capable hands. Schedule a tour today to discover how Castlewoods Place can support your family in navigating the challenges of dementia together.