How To Find Caregiver Support Groups Near Me: Tips For A Stress-Free Search
There are many benefits of joining a support group for caregivers of adults with chronic conditions. Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association can help you find a local group. Other family caregiver resources are also available to support your search.
Here, we’ll provide some practical tips and important steps to find the right group for you:
- Get to know the different types of caregiver support groups available.
- Identify what you want and need in a general caregiver support group.
- Find online and local caregiver resources.
- What to do if a group is different from what you expected.
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What Are The Types Of Support Groups Available?
Caregiver stress affects many people caring for a loved one. There are many positive ways to cope. Studies show that participating in a caregiver support program is an effective way to manage stress. It can even reduce the risk of developing a mental health condition.
Finding the right support group is essential to get emotional and social support. The first step is to understand the different types:
- General Caregiver Support Group. Many groups are general. They welcome all types of caregivers in all situations. These groups are good for emotional support and general caregiving advice and education.
- Dementia Caregiver Support Group. If your loved one has a type of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, you may benefit from a more specific group.
- Illness-Specific Support Groups. You can also find caregiver support groups for other conditions. Examples include cancer, mental illness, neurodegenerative diseases, and more.
- Caregiver-Specific Groups. Some groups are tailored to the type of family caregiver, such as adult children or spouses. There are also whole family support groups. You can find demographic-based groups, too. For example, there are caregiver groups for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Educational Groups. Most support groups provide information and resources. Some focus more on learning about caregiving or the care recipient’s condition.
Local support groups where you can meet in person are often most effective for coping with caregiving stress. According to studies, family caregivers often feel isolated. In-person interactions outside the caregiving relationship can reduce loneliness and isolation. Local support groups can provide this benefit.
Consider searching for online support groups if resources are scarce in your area or if you prefer a virtual setting.
Determine What You Need In A Family Caregiver Support Group
The next step is to decide what you need and want from a group. What is your main goal for joining a support group? It might be to share experiences with others or to vent difficult emotions.
Maybe you want a group to expand your social circle. You might want to form meaningful connections with people in your local community. Are you more interested in a group to help you learn specific caregiving skills or about how to manage your self-care?
Other factors to consider include the format of the group. Many support groups are led by trained facilitators. These groups are usually run formally with guidance and direction from a healthcare provider, social worker, or similar professional.
You might find a less formal group with less structure or guidance more comfortable. Peer-led groups, where members have more control over leading and participating in discussions, can be empowering. These factors are essential to identify when considering the type of group you want to join.
Use These Resources To Search For A Support Group
You’re ready to start looking for local or virtual support groups. Try these resources for your search:
Non-Profit Groups
Many non-profits have support groups or list online and local groups you can join:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- ALS Association
- Lewy Body Dementia Association
- Eldercare Locator
- American Red Cross
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Medical & Healthcare Resources
Other good sources of information are your local healthcare agencies and medical facilities. Ask your loved one’s medical team for ideas or recommendations. Contact your local hospital and other medical centers.
State and local government agencies can also provide caregiver resources. Contact your local aging services department, social services agency, or human services department. Organizations that offer respite may also have support groups.
Community Groups
Finally, look right in your community for support groups and a caregiver resource center. A local senior center or community center may host support meetings. Check with churches and other religious groups and charitable organizations.
What To Do If You Don’t Like A Group You Joined
You might end up in a caregiver support group you don’t like. It might not meet your needs after all or leave you feeling more drained than supported.
Remember, you are not obligated to stick with a group that isn’t working for you. If you don’t get what you need out of the group, it’s okay to leave and try another one. You’ll benefit more from a group you enjoy attending and are willing to attend regularly.
There is no single support group or even type of group that works best for all family caregivers. Getting support is important for your well-being and for your loved one.
It’s worth your time and effort to find the best local group to meet your needs. Don’t be afraid to try more than one group before settling on your favorite.
References
- https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/caregiver-stress
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0974150X211058189?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.9
- https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2020/05/full-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00103.001.pdf
- https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2021/support-groups.html
- https://www.alz.org/help-support/community/support-groups
- https://www.als.org/support/support-groups
- https://www.lbda.org/local-support-groups/
- https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/Topic/Caregiver.aspx
- https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html
- https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/support-groups
