Support Groups for Caregivers

 

Sometimes, talking to other individuals who are experiencing similar issues is very helpful. Participants can learn from each other, share the emotional and mental burdens of caregiving, and get needed time to process and explore solutions to problems and concerns. Support groups can provide a safe and nurturing environment in which to do these things.

Explore how spending time with others experiencing similar things can help. Consider joining a local support group.

Support groups (in person) are usually initiated by local agencies such as Councils or Departments on Aging, university departments supporting family caregivers, and/or local agencies providing services for seniors. If the support group is based on helping individuals with specific conditions, the sponsoring group may be an organization dedicated to helping individuals with the condition. Some churches offer informal support as well.

 

Some caregivers feel that they can't attend a support group because they don't feel comfortable leaving their family member with someone else or they have difficulty finding someone to come in during the time of the group meeting or they cannot pay for someone to come in. Call the local support groups in your area and ask if they provide respite or adult day care services for participants. Some do. And, it might be just the relief you need.

There are also online support groups for caregivers whose responsibilities and/or circumstances make it difficult to leave the home.

If you have trouble locating a support group designed to help with your needs, contact a local aging agency or the local association associated with a specific condition (such as a Diabetes Association). An online search or a local telephone directory will usually find you the contact information you need. Or, use the contact information provided below.

 

Alzheimer's Support Groups

The National Alzheimer's Association provides trained facilitators to help support and educate caregivers and others dealing with Alzheimer’s disease within a support group. Some support groups are designed for a specialized group such as (but not limited to) children, individuals with early-onset and early-stage Alzheimer’s, or adult caregivers. Support groups offer caregivers the opportunity to share with others in the same situation and to receive the same from them. This mutually supportive environment can help to relieve caregiver stress and provide tips on successfully dealing with specific behaviors and/or concerns.

Local Alzheimer's Association Chapters facilitate these groups. Some local aging agencies also offer support for Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers and they will also know of other local opportunities to connect with support including church support groups. If you cannot locate an appropriate support group, contact your local Area Agency on Aging for assistance and local contact information.

The National Alzheimer's Association also offers an online caregiver community.

 

 

Caregiver Support Groups

As stated above, in-person support groups (versus online) are usually initiated by local agencies such as Councils or Departments on Aging, university departments supporting family caregivers, and/or local agencies providing services for seniors. Your regional Area Agency on Aging is a good place to start to locate these agencies.

The local Information & Assistance and/or Caregiver Specialist in the county where services are needed usually know about local support group resources. When you contact a local Council or Department on Aging, ask for them.

 

 

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Groups

Grandparents caring for grandchildren usually do so because the parents are unable to care for their own children. The stress of worrying about your children (the parents), the grandchildren in your care, money issues, and your own capability to handle the challenges of growing youngsters as your own health changes can be enormous. Support groups can be a great help.

Some agencies/groups/organizations have support groups specifically for grandparents raising grandchildren. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Caregiver Specialist to find out what is available in your area. If you do not find a group in place, consider joining a support group for caregivers. You may still find the support and help you need within such a group. Or, try finding an online support group or chat room.

 

 

Support Groups for Various Medical Issues or Conditions

Many hospitals offers support groups for individuals and families with various medical issues or conditions. Contacting the hospital directly, you will be able to find out what type groups are available and other needed information.

Various groups associated with conditions and/or diseases often offer support groups as a resource. Contact them directly for more information. Do note that some of the organization support groups may be web based. Don't let that discourage you. Though in-person support groups may provide a special type of support not available through online groups, web based support is a good option for caregivers with limited time and/or other restrictions that would limit the ability to attend an in-person meeting.

 

 

Statewide Contact Information for Personalized Assistance

Sometimes, especially when responsibilities get overwhelming, you just want someone else to handle things. Caregiver Specialists are available to help as are Information and Assistance Specialists. Below are links to contact information that will be helpful if you want to work with someone to get connected to a support group or other services and resources.

 

 

 

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