Being a family caregiver for adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and similar conditions is challenging. Many people who provide care for a loved one struggle with caregiver stress. This can cause exhaustion, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and more. 

Joining a support group is one way to combat caregiver stress and related mental health symptoms. Researchers have found that being in a support group helps caregivers significantly reduce stress. How do you find the right support group to join? In this blog, we’ll cover these topics to help you in your search: 

• How to determine what you need in a support group
• What to expect from a support group and the types of groups available
• Online resources for finding caregiver support
• How to search locally for a caregiver support group
• How to know you’ve found the right fit

Interested in Trualta’s support groups? Check if you have free access. 

What Do You Want From A Caregiver Support Group? 

Identifying your needs is the first step in finding a support group to help you cope as a caregiver of a loved one. Outlining your reasons for seeking support and what you want in a group will make the search easier. 

Think about some of the important reasons people seek a caregiver support group. These will help you understand what type of group would help you the most: 

• Some people want to learn more about their loved one’s dementia. They might not understand the condition, its progress, and what to expect. They need resources and help to find them, such as respite care. 
• Another reason to join a support group is to learn caregiving skills. These skills may be general or specific to dementia and similar conditions. 
• Many people feel isolated in their roles as caregivers. Joining a support group provides a social network. 
• Many caregivers struggle with stress and mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Support groups can help relieve some mental health symptoms by providing emotional support.

You might identify with one or all these reasons. Now that you understand why you want to join a group, you can learn more about the types of groups available and how they meet these needs. 

Know What’s Available

You might not know what is possible in a support group if you’ve never attended one. You can find caregiver support groups with different characteristics to meet your specific needs: 

• Professionally-led support groups. Most support groups are led by a trained facilitator. They organize and lead discussions. Many also present educational materials and caregiver resources. 
• Peer-led support groups. A less formal option is a group led by the members. The discussions are not as structured, and there may be fewer educational resources. 
• Caregiver-specific support groups. Some groups cater to specific types of caregivers who can relate to each other. For example, if you are the adult child of an aging parent who needs care, you might want to join a group with others like you. 
• Education groups. Many support groups focus on letting participants discuss and share experiences. Some are more education-focused and may even include caregivers’ skills training. 
• Community-specific support groups. Some people feel more comfortable in a group that is part of their demographic. You may be able to find an LGBTQ+ support group or a group affiliated with a particular religion. 

The right group can provide emotional and social support, but they cannot treat a mental illness. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other symptoms, talk to your doctor. Also, consider respite care. 

Search Online 

With more information about caregiver support groups, you’re now ready to begin your search. An online search is an easy way to get started. 

A simple search for “caregiver support groups near me” will give you several options. Use a more focused search to find the type of group you want to join. You can also use these online resources to find specific types of groups in your area: 

• ALS Association
• Alzheimer’s Association
• American Red Cross
• Caregiver Action Network
• Eldercare Locator
• Family Caregiver Alliance
• Lewy Body Dementia Association

An online search using national agencies can also help you find a virtual support group. In-person groups are often more structured and effective, but they aren’t right for every family caregiver. 

If you prefer meeting with people online, a virtual group can be a good way to get support. Studies find that the most effective online support groups have active moderators and some structure. 

Use Local Resources

Another way to search for a caregiver support group is through local groups and resources: 

• Local or state human services agencies
• Government agencies for senior services or elder affairs
• Churches and other religious groups
• Local charitable groups
• Local branches of national groups or agencies, like the Alzheimer’s Association
• Local community centers and activity centers for older adults

If you know anyone in your area who acts as a caregiver, ask them if they belong to a support group. 

When Is A Support Group A Good Fit? 

Once you have one or a couple of groups from your search, you can attend meetings to decide which is the best fit. It takes some time and regular attendance to get the most benefit from a caregiver support group, so be patient. Here are some signs a group is right for you: 

• It meets your needs, for example, teaching caregiving skills. 
• You feel better and less stressed after attending. 
• You feel supported and safe to share your feelings and experiences in the group. 
• It’s a good practical fit with your time and schedule. 
• It helps you feel more confident in your care role. 

Joining a support group might be one of the best things you can do to cope with the challenges of being a family caregiver. Be patient during your search. The benefits are worth the effort. 

References:

1. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/caregiver-stress
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0974150X211058189?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.9
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10753418
4. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2021/support-groups.html
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655