COEUR d’ALENE — Those who love and take care of people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia now have one more way to meet other caregivers and share their stories.

The Alzheimer's Association's first Lake City Center support group for caregivers, families and friends of those with Alzheimer's and related disorders will take place Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and will be held at this time the second Monday of every month.

The Lake City group will join the roster of support groups that are held in Kootenai Health the third Saturday of each month at 1:30 p.m. and in St. George Parish Hall in Post Falls (no religious affiliation) the first Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for families to get connected," said PJ Christo, outreach coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association National Organization Washington State Serving Northern Idaho Chapter.

"The more you know, the more you learn about it, the easier the journey will be," Christo said. "It’s never easy, I don't want to minimize that, but the more you learn and the more you talk to people in similar situations, the easier that journey is going to be."

Christo said the support groups are all different, so she encourages people to check out all of them.

"You can come to all three of them if you want, every month," she said. "We're happy to have you."

A program to help people understand and respond to dementia-related behavior will be held June 12 in the Area Agency on Aging at 2120 Lakewood Drive. RSVPs appreciated, walk-ins welcome.

The "Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia" program will be held July 25 at the Rathdrum Senior Center, 8037 W. Montana St.

These groups and programs are free and open to the public.

Info and reservations: 800-272-3900