Dementia is a complex condition that causes individuals to lose cognitive function over time. According to the Alzheimers Association¹, an individual with dementia may experience symptoms like: 

• Loss of memory
• Difficulty navigating familiar environments
• Difficulty with daily tasks like bathing, grooming, dressing and eating
• Mood changes like withdrawal from activities they enjoy, depression or anxiety 

There are an estimated 11 million adults in the U.S. providing care for persons with dementia. Studies² show that 80% of people with Alzheimers disease, Lewy body dementia and other related dementias are cared for by a family caregiver or a friend within their own homes.

Caregivers of people with dementia take on a large role in helping these individuals live their daily lives. They assist with tasks including mobility, daily living tasks, medication management, and transport to appointments. Caregiving is a full-time job and can take a physical and mental toll on an individual.

Dementia Support Groups For Caregivers

To be a good caregiver, you must ensure you’re caring for yourself. Joining a support group is a great way to do this. Dementia caregiver support groups are made up of other people who are providing the same type of services to a loved one with dementia. 

Benefits Of Support Groups

There are many benefits to becoming a member of a support group. It allows you to connect with other caregivers to provide mutual emotional support for mental health and wellness. It can also be a great resource for the latest advances in dementia care. Choosing to seek out a support group is a great first step in self-care. 

Types Of Dementia Support Groups For Caregivers

There are two ways support groups can meet: in person and online. Both types of support groups have benefits and drawbacks, which we will review below.

In-Person Caregiver Support Groups

In-person support groups meet face-to-face on a designated date at a specific time and location. They might meet weekly, monthly, or quarterly at a place like a church, a library, or a senior center.

Benefits Of In-Person Support Groups 

There are benefits to meeting with other caregivers of people with dementia in person, including:

• In-person connection. Some might feel that connecting with people in real life is easier and more meaningful than doing so behind a screen. You often build deeper relationships in person when you can share your emotions, read body language, and gain a deeper understanding of what someone else is going through.  
• Increased focus. By leaving the comfort of your own home, you’re forced to be present in the discussions during the support group and won’t have any other distractions.
• Connection to local caregivers. Attending a dementia support group for caregivers in your area can connect you with people in close proximity to you. A new connection from the support group could turn into someone you get coffee with weekly and become friends with.
• Sharing of local resources. By meeting caregivers in your area, you may learn of helpful dementia care resources like a weekly social gathering or a local exercise class for individuals with dementia. 

Drawbacks Of In-Person Support Groups 

While in-person meetings may allow a caregiver to be more present, there are drawbacks to this type of support group, including:

• Transport. Finding transportation to a weekly dementia caregiver support meeting each week may be challenging and cause more stress. 
• Time commitment and finding respite care. Attending a support group meeting each week or month is a time commitment. Additionally, if you’re the primary caregiver for a person with dementia, you may need to find care for them while you attend the support group meeting.
• Lack of flexibility. In-person support group meetings are often available at designated times that may or may not work with your schedule. 

Virtual Caregiver Support Groups

Virtual support groups for caregivers of people with dementia might offer a weekly or monthly online meeting or might have a community forum to share experiences.

Benefits Of Virtual Support Groups 

There are many pros to meeting digitally with other caregivers, including:

• Convenience. You can easily attend virtual support groups from the comfort of your own home. No transport is involved, and there is less time commitment to participate in a virtual support group. 
• Flexibility. There may be multiple options for meeting times available to you if you choose to connect virtually. 
• Accessibility. Depending on the support group, you may be able to access a community page 24/7 and post your questions or concerns at any time of day. 
• Connection across the country. Connecting with caregivers of people with dementia in different geographical locations exposes you to techniques, tactics, or ideas in dementia care that you might not have access to where you live.
• Comfort and increased participation. Attending from your own home allows you to be more at ease, which may lead you to be more inclined to engage and participate.

Drawbacks Of Virtual Support Groups

Although online support groups provide a flexible option for caregivers, there are cons to meeting virtually, such as:

• Distractions. While being at home is convenient, there may be many distractions in your own environment that take away your focus and ability to be present.
• Privacy. If you live with the person you care for, it may be hard to truly feel comfortable sharing your struggles and emotions because you may be concerned that they can hear you. Sometimes, having a safe space to go is better so you can truly disconnect from your caregiving responsibilities.
• Limited depth of connections. Some may find that attending a caregiver support group through a screen doesn’t give the same depth of connection that an in-person meeting does.
• Technical issues. With technology comes the chance for glitches and lost internet connection which can affect a caregiver’s ability to participate in a virtual support group.

Your Next Steps

Choosing a support group is a personal and individualized decision. Both formats offer unique benefits and may suit your needs in different ways. The most important decision is to take the next step to reach out for support so you can be the best caregiver to yourself while you care for others.

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

References 

1. Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). What is dementia? Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Caregiving. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/caregiving/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/index.htm
3. Alzheimer’s.gov. (n.d.). Tips for caregivers. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Caring for yourself. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/caregiving/caring-for-yourself/index.html
5. HelpGuide.org. (n.d.). Support groups. Retrieved September 26, 2024, from https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/treatment/support-groups
6. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Support groups. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655
7. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Dementia. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia#:~:text=Dementia%20is%20a%20syndrome%20that,barriers%20to%20diagnosis%20and%20care.