Choosing The Right Caregiver Support Group
As a caregiver, finding the right support group can feel daunting, especially when your time and energy are already stretched thin. However, the right group can offer valuable resources, emotional support, and a sense of community tailored to your unique needs. This guide provides key considerations to help you navigate your options and find a support group that aligns with your caregiving journey.
Here you’ll learn:
- How to identify your needs
- Where to find caregiver support groups
- How to tell if it’s the right group for you
There are many types of caregiver support groups. You may need to attend a few different group meetings before you decide which will be the best fit. It’s important to outline what your priorities are when considering a caregiver support group. What outcomes are you expecting? How can your caregiving experience benefit from this group?
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Needed Support
Consider your care recipient and what kind of support you need. Some groups focus on specific conditions such as dementia, cancer, stroke, or developmental disabilities. Selecting a group that focuses on the condition will help you connect with others facing similar challenges. For example, if your care recipient has Alzheimer’s, you can look at the groups the Alzheimers Association offers.
Another good fit may be a support group that is based on the relationship you have with your care recipient. For example, a spouse, parent, other family member, or friend. Are you caring for older adults and children simultaneously? Are you living with your care recipient? Studies have shown that caregivers who reside with their care recipient report feeling lonely more often than those who don’t. Your support group can help navigate these relationship dynamics.
Support groups can also focus on different aspects of caregiving. Are you feeling emotionally drained, isolated, or lonely? Finding a group that prioritizes emotional support or mental health might be helpful. Or are you looking to learn new skills? A group that is focused on education might be the best option for you.
You may also want to consider a general caregiver support group, which addresses the needs of all types of caregivers. If you are new to caregiving or looking for basic information, this type of group may be a good place to start. Discussing your shared experiences with a fellow caregiver will not only give you a sense of comfort, but you can also develop a friendship with another caregiver.
Support Group Characteristics
Finding group members that align with your personal values, background, or culture may help you feel more included and validated. For example, there are specialized groups that are Spanish-speaking or are designed for the LGBTQ+ community.
You will find in-person and online support groups. Is connecting face-to-face with other caregivers important to you? If so, finding an in-person support group is a priority for you. Many groups have moved online to reach more people with specific needs. If you’re comfortable discussing issues or learning skills virtually, online support groups may be a good option for you. Online forums are a time-efficient option. Joining social media groups allows you to ask questions and receive feedback quickly for your specific situation. Make sure you keep personal details private when navigating online resources.
Are you looking for a structured group meeting led by a trained facilitator? If you’re interested in improving your communication skills or receiving other caregiver coaching, finding a support group led by a credentialed facilitator may help meet these goals. On the other hand, a more informal meeting will focus more on creating an environment for shared experiences and gaining feedback and insights on caregiving situations. The focus on personal connection will create a sense of belonging and hope as you navigate your caregiving journey.
Another consideration is how often the meetings happen. Are you required to attend each meeting? Are you comfortable with the average number of attendees for each meeting? What are the participation requirements (do you have to say something at every meeting)? Addressing these questions as you research your options can help you understand if you’ll feel comfortable attending the meetings.
Are you looking for a local group? If you live in a remote area, you might not have many in-person options. An online support group may be better if you’re looking for a broad range of experiences and demographic traits.
Step 2: Find A Caregiver Support Group
A few places to research support groups for your caregiving journey include
- Medical facilities or healthcare providers
- A local senior center or senior services agency
- Local aging services department
- Social services agencies
- Human services departments
- Specific condition-specific organizations.
There are also national organizations, such as AARP or the Alzheimers Association. The Eldercare Locator is another helpful link for finding services in your area.
Your employer may offer employee assistance programs to help provide you with personalized support or guide you to a network of support groups. Your employer’s Human Resource Department can help connect you if this resource is available to you.
As you explore different support groups in your region, check online reviews or look for testimonials from others.
Is It The Right Group For You?
If you find yourself feeling more drained than supported after attending meetings, or if the group’s focus doesn’t align with your specific challenges and needs, it may be a sign to move on. Pay attention to how you feel after each session—if you aren’t gaining the connection, resources, or sense of relief you hoped for, consider trying a different group that better suits your situation.
There is no single solution for all caregivers. Taking the time to find a group that meets your needs and relieves your caregiver stress will be worth your time and effort. If a group does not feel right for you or is not meeting your needs, explore other options using the tips in this article.
Visit the helpful links above and check if you have free access to Trualta’s Caregiver Resources.
