A New Year's Resolution - Join a Caregiver's Support Group
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on January 12, 2017
A New Year’s Resolution – Join a Caregiver’s Support Group
Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy. – No. Dakota Sen. John Hoeven
Isolation, burn out, stress and emotional/physical exhaustion are often feelings experienced by caregivers who take care of seniors, whether they live in a long-term care facility, retirement community or private residence (e.g., their own home or a relative’s home).
Research studies show that support groups offer real benefits and significantly improve the quality of life of a caregiver. They are:
- important to the health and well-being of caregivers
- typically provided in a number of ways through counseling groups, professional facilitators, peer support groups and lecture/educational support groups
What are some of the advantages of joining a caregiver’s support group?
Support groups offer an opportunity for caregivers to have ongoing, regularly scheduled social interaction outside of the home. They also offer a non-threatening place for participants to share stories and express feelings, needs, and concerns about caregiving. Many groups have an educational component with expert advice on topics addressed to caregivers to help them maintain the crucial balance of “taking care of themselves” instead of always focusing on their loved ones’ ever-growing needs.
The supportive environment of such a group allows caregivers to gain insights on how others deal with similar challenges of caring for loved ones. This practical information including tips on caregiving problems and possible solutions to these challenges can be especially valuable for newer caregivers as well as those caregivers helping seniors in dealing with any number of physical and mental challenges. Participants can also learn about resources available in their own communities.
You can search for a local support group by accessing The Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver’s Community Support Group Guide. By entering your zip code, you can locate referrals on support group meetings and other local community services.
In addition, The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline provides helpful information and support to anyone needing assistance. It serves not only caregivers but also those with memory loss themselves and health professionals. Popular topics cover understanding memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s; medications and other treatment options; general information about aging and brain health; skills needed to provide quality care and professionals; legal, financial, and living arrangement decisions; and education concerning issues families face every day. Additionally, referrals can be made for ongoing support, services, and community programs (alz.org). Help is provided in the caller’s language with translation services for over 200 languages/dialects. You can call the helpline at (800)272-3900.
Besides the Alzheimer’s Association and the 24/7 hotline mentioned above, there are other sources for support. Local hospitals and doctors/health care professionals, senior community centers and libraries, senior resource centers, Internet searches, telephone and newspaper contacts, and word-of-mouth from other caregivers or family members can offer you information about local support groups. There are also websites for information pertaining to local meetings: for example, the National Stroke Association, the American Cancer Society, the National Parkinson Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the American Diabetes Association.
Without a doubt, caregiving is very difficult. The caregiver often feels isolated and overwhelmed. Caregiving support groups can help identify and empathize what you are going through as they are filled with people in similar situations dealing with similar struggles.
Think about adding to your New Year’s Resolution for 2019 and get caregiver support. The support you receive will undoubtedly make your life a little easier, reduce stress, and improve your own health. In turn, you can continue assuming the great responsibility of caring for a loved one. Here’s to a Happy New Year – 2019!
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