When Miralea Active Lifestyle Community team members recognized that many independent living residents had become caregivers for spouses or loved ones, they created a place where they could find support, practical resources and people who truly understand the journey. But, what originally started as a small gathering for residents caring for spouses has become much more than a support group.

Three years ago, Miralea recognized that many residents in the independent living community had quietly taken on the role of caregiver. While they shared similar challenges, many were navigating them alone. To meet that need, they turned to retired occupational therapist Susie McElroy, whose specialized training in dementia care through the Positive Approach to Care® program equipped her to guide meaningful conversations and connect caregivers with practical resources.

Today, the Caregivers Support Group, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, continues to provide a safe place for residents and the community at large, to share experiences, ask questions and learn from others who understand the challenges of caregiving. As members’ lives have changed, so has the group. What began with a focus on dementia caregiving has naturally expanded to include grief, education and topics that support anyone caring for a loved one—or coping with life’s many transitions.

“As an occupational therapist, I discovered one of my strengths is listening to people, and not just their words but the feelings and emotions in those words,” said Susie. “My role is to encourage and facilitate the group discussion and provide resources for topics of interest or concern.” She added, “Since the group started three years ago, it has evolved. For many, the person they were providing care for has since passed.”

For Miralea resident Charlotte Cunagin this was the case.

“My husband Jim was one of seven siblings and six of them were dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses. Jim was part of a University of Kentucky study and knew that dementia would be a part of his picture.”

When friends moved to Masonic Homes Kentucky, they came to visit and Jim suggested they tour the community for themselves. They did, had a contract on an apartment, before Charlotte got cold feet and they didn’t move in.

“Then, COVID hit and I started noticing Jim’s dementia progressing. I called the sales office again and we moved into Miralea in 2022.”

Shortly after moving in, Miralea’s resident service manager asked how things were going. Charlotte shared she was struggling with the grief of leaving her home and Jim’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. That’s when she heard about the community’s desire to start the Caregiver’s Support Group. The next month, the group started.

“I could not have done this by myself,” said Charlotte. “When I was in the depths of caregiving, the support group was often the only time I was ever away from Jim.”

In 2024, the Cunagins realized it was time for Jim to move to another level of care in Masonic Homes Kentucky’s continuum. The night after Jim was assessed for the appropriate level of care, Jim’s health took a turn and he was admitted to the hospital. He passed two weeks later. The support group became a solace for Charlotte to deal with her grief.

Miralea resident Dick Humke went through a similar journey with his wife, Joan.

“The group was so helpful,” said Dick. “There is a bond created when you hear other people talking about problems you’ve experienced, and to be able to share yours.”

He also watched the group dynamic change as loved ones passed away, and the discussion focused more on grief. He talked with Charlotte and the idea emerged of broadening the group by offering speakers and educational sessions.

The goal was to make it community-wide, more inclusive and reach residents who needed support or were just interested in topics that affected aging adults.

“I often think ‘when is life not about grief?’” said Charlotte. “I think we have to accept grief as a natural part of aging because loss is just not about losing the people we love, it is moving from our homes and changes in our health and mobility. That’s why the support group is so important. You don’t have to be a caregiver to benefit, but in our own way, we are all caregivers.”

The group welcomed its first speaker in July to a packed room. Reverend Dr. Georgine Buckwalter talked about anhedonia, which is a disinterest in pleasurable activities, and a topic of interest among the group.

“Georgina was great and it was nice to get more information on something the group discussed but didn’t know a lot about,” said Dick. “And, we had a packed room which shows we are moving the group in the right direction.

The Caregiver Support Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 4 to 5 pm. Click here to learn more.

August 15, 2026