Support for Caregivers
We talk a lot at Caregivers United about how you, as a loved one, can provide intentional and superior care for your senior family member. We don’t want to forget about supporting you as a caregiver, though. No doubt, caring for an elderly family member in any capacity takes a lot of mental, emotional, and physical work. So, we want to dive into how a caregiver can find support as they care for their senior family member. Caregiver support groups and caregiver support resources are available wherever you are!
Caregiver Support Groups
Support groups for caregivers can be a helpful tool for your mental and emotional health as you care for your senior loved one. It’s incredibly comforting when you know other people who are walking the same things as you. Caregiver support groups can have various forms so you can find the exact one that fits your comfort level and schedule.
Remote Support Groups
Video and remote meetings are very popular these days, and they have their purpose. Sometimes a remote group is all you can do in your current season. If you’re not able to leave your senior loved one very often, a remote support group is a great option. You can find a remote support group with scheduled meetings where you are still face-to-face talking with other caregivers through video chat. There are also social media caregiver support groups that are more informal.
Facebook groups for caregivers work well because it allows you to ask questions and provide support to other caregivers. It’s a flexible option that doesn’t require a set time or day. Being a part of a social media group for caregivers is an excellent supplement to a remote or in-person support group.
In-Person Support Groups
Joining a caregiver support group that meets in person will give you needed community and social interaction, in addition to providing tangible support as a caregiver. In-person support groups are more common than you may think. If you can reserve time each week or month to attend a support group, you won’t regret it. The benefits of a support group will impact you and your aging loved one.
Why Join a Caregiver Support Group?
We wanted to go in-depth about the different support groups because this is one of the best ways for you to find support as a caregiver. Why take the extra time and energy to join a remote or in-person support group? One of the ways support groups can help is you are surrounded by people who are going through the same season of life as you. Support groups allow you to vent and share your struggles in a safe place. Finally, you can get advice and practical tips from other caregivers. You will even be able to help other caregivers with their situations as well!
How to Find Caregiver Support Groups
So, if you’re ready to join a support group, how do you find one? The good news is there are many national and local resources available for finding the right support group for you. One national organization providing support group options is The National Family Caregiver Support Program. In addition, many of the health systems in Florida offer local caregiver support groups.
Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Cancer Society also have support groups for caregivers caring for a family member suffering from these diseases. These are just a few examples of support group options out there. In addition, you will be able to find a local or online caregiver support group that fits your desires and situation.
Bringing in More Help
Sometimes the support you need as a caregiver is extra help, especially if your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other serious health conditions. Bringing in specialized and professional caregivers gives you much-needed support as your loved one ages. It will also give your senior family member more peace to stay independent longer in their home.
At Caregivers United, we provide care specific to your senior loved one’s needs. Our specialties include anything from regular tasks like hygiene and bathing assistance, transportation, and light housekeeping to specialized dementia care, cardiovascular care, and injury recovery care. To see how we can serve your family, request a free courtesy visit to learn more about our 24/7 care.
You don’t have to do this alone! There are resources and groups out there to walk alongside you as you selflessly care for your senior loved one. Bringing in additional help through an in-home caregiver works for many families because the senior family member stays at home longer, and the family caregivers get further assistance. The bottom line is to get support around you, in whatever way it looks for your schedule and lifestyle. You will be grateful you took the extra time to seek support from other caregivers.