Caregiver support groups bring together people who are caring for others who may be ill, injured, disabled, aging, or elderly. In these groups, caregivers share their experiences, offer emotional support, and give each other advice. Research has found that caregivers who attend support groups think of them as an important place to get informational and emotional support.  One day, you might learn about an adult day service, senior center, or family caregiver respite care option you didn’t know about before. The next day, you might receive social support and encouragement that benefits your mental health. 

You might not know what to expect from a support group, especially if you’ve never joined one before. Don’t let this stop you from trying. They’re a great resource for family caregivers and have many benefits! Here, we’ll guide you through what you need to know to feel comfortable going into your first support group meeting, including:

• Any preparation you need to do 
• What will happen during the first meeting 
• What you can expect after the first meeting

Want to check if you have free access to Trualta’s caregiver support groups? It only takes 30 seconds.  

You’ve Decided To Join A Group – Now What?

Registering for a group is the first step. If you haven’t found a support group yet, there are many strategies you can use to make sure you find the right one for your care situation. 

Preparation 

Although you won’t need to do any formal preparation, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following questions before your first meeting. This will help you feel more at ease. 

• How much of your loved one’s situation do you want to share? Some people will be comfortable sharing a lot of personal information, and others will have firmer boundaries. 
• Are there specific challenges or concerns you want to discuss? Writing them down ahead of time can help ensure that you don’t forget to bring up your discussion topics. 
• How do you feel about discussing your feelings? Some people will want to focus on emotional support, while others may want to focus on practical advice and strategies. 
• Are there any items you want to bring with you? For example, a notebook or tablet can be used to take notes or write down helpful links and resources. 

The First Meeting 

Typically, the beginning portion of the first meeting will be dedicated to housekeeping items and introductions, as it will be many caregivers’ first time. Here’s what you can expect:

• Facilitator introductions. Whether the group is run by a formal facilitator or a peer leader, they will get the group started and go over important information. 
• Member introductions. A huge benefit of caregiver support groups is peer connection. You’ll likely be asked to share your name, a bit about your caregiving situation, and a fun fact about yourself. 
• Logistics. The facilitator will go over the meeting schedule and any other important logistics, such as parking, emergency preparedness and procedures, and whether the same video link will be used each time for online support groups. 
• Group rules. Some rules will be standard, like maintaining confidentiality or respecting boundaries, and others may be decided upon by the group members, like no cell phones during group meetings. 

Ongoing Participation  

Once your group has settled into a good rhythm, you’ll start to feel more comfortable with the other group members. You can let them know when you’re looking for caregiver coaching and when you’re just looking for someone to listen. Generally, a support group meeting will include:

• Peer sharing. Members will take turns sharing updates, concerns, or experiences in a safe and judgment-free environment. For example, discussing when it might be time for long-term care. 
• Learning. Facilitators and peers will share practical tips they’ve learned and support services they’ve found for their care recipient and liked. 
• Emotional support. Members can express their emotions freely, receive validation, gain reassurance, and be comforted by the fact that others truly understand what they’re going through. 

Don’t be surprised if there are unplanned expressions of emotions, awkward silences, or uncomfortable conversations. Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Support groups are safe spaces where you can be more open. Sometimes, someone might cry while sharing about a tough week with their family member, or you might cry, too. Other times, no one will know what to say. This is all part of building a meaningful support group.

What If It’s Not What You Hoped?

Finding the right caregiver support group can take time. You may not connect with everyone right away, and that’s okay—building trust and comfort within the group dynamic often takes time. Remember: 

• Give yourself a chance to warm up to the group dynamic.
• Be patient in building trust and comfort.
• Don’t be afraid to try different groups to find the right fit.

The first group you join might not be the perfect fit, and sometimes it requires trial and error to find the one that truly meets your needs and preferences. For example, you might have joined a general caregiver support group for older adults but later realized that you need a stroke support group. If you don’t feel comfortable or supported in your first group, don’t be discouraged; keep exploring until you find a group where you feel at home.

References:

1.  Sajwani-Merchant, Z., Behan, D., Swank, C., & Daniel, K. (2023). Caregiver experiences of social support following stroke. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 32(9), 107253.
2. https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/creating-emotional-safety-in-a-support-group 
3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/disability-in-motion/201905/caregiver-support-groups-4-things-newcomers-need-know