Why You Should Join An Alzheimer Support Group
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be challenging. Researchers say that caregivers caring for older adults with dementia experience worse emotional health than caregivers who are caring for older adults with other conditions. From managing daily care to navigating memory Instituteloss, behavioral changes, and disease progression, caregiving can be overwhelming.
Joining a caregiver support group can be the lifeline you need. Whether you’re new to being a family caregiver or have been on this journey for a while, participating in a support group can provide practical, social, and emotional benefits to make a significant difference in your daily life.
Interested in Trualta’s support groups? Check if you have free access.
Practical Support
Navigating the complexities of dementia care is tough. From coordinating doctor appointments to managing medications, helping with personal care, or understanding the progression of memory loss in Alzheimer’s or similar conditions like Lewy body dementia or frontotemporal dementia – the learning curve can be steep.
An Alzheimer’s caregiver support group allows for the sharing of personal experiences. This gives you the opportunity to ask for practical tips that can address your current challenges. No need to wait for that next doctor’s appointment in 2 months. Asking caregivers who have gone through similar situations allows you to get the tried and true strategies that really work, and in real time.
An Alzheimer’s caregiver support group is also a chance for you to share your experiences and tips that have worked for you and your loved one. Many caregivers share that they like this aspect of dementia caregiver support groups as they feel a sense of purpose and community.
Some support groups are also led by a group facilitator. Oftentimes, these facilitators are previous caregivers who have been through the caregiving journey themselves. They offer additional information and important insights like helpful links to resources. Sometimes, they’ll even invite guest speakers, like a medical expert or legal advisor, who may be relevant to you and the other caregivers in your support group.
Social Support
Caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s comes with unique challenges. Caregivers state that they still have a strong sense of isolation, even with many other loved ones around them. A family member or friend can offer sympathy, but hearing “Relax, it’ll be okay,” or another piece of unsolicited or unhelpful advice can take its toll.
Health professionals, friends, and family are so important to have in your circle of support. However, no one truly understands like another caregiver going through a similar journey as you. Attending a support group is proven to reduce feelings of isolation. They allow you to be a part of a community of caregivers facing similar challenges. A community that can offer validation, genuine words of encouragement, and helpful support and advice without judgment.
Attending regularly helps you foster meaningful connections with other caregivers that continue outside of the group sessions. It’s common for group members who connect closely with other caregivers in the group to share contact information so they have someone to reach out to when they need it. They are people who understand when you can’t respond to a text right away because managing behaviors with your care recipient has been extra difficult lately or when you just need a moment to spill all your thoughts without judgment. Building this sense of community to reduce isolation is just one of the many benefits of participating in an Alzheimer’s support group.
Emotional Support
It’s common for caregivers of loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s to feel guilt, sadness, frustration, burnout, and even grief. If you’re close with the person you’re caring for with dementia, you may be experiencing intense feelings of loss for the relationship you may have had, the activities you used to do together, and even the life you had before caregiving. It’s common for caregivers to feel guilt and even anger because of this. This is completely normal. Being a part of a caregiver support group allows you to express your thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental and confidential environment filled with caregivers who can relate first-hand to what you’re going through.
It can also be comforting to hear about others’ experiences and learn how they’re feeling and coping with the emotional challenges that come with caregiving. Alzheimer’s support groups are also a place to celebrate wins and victories, no matter how small, with people who understand how important those moments can be in feeling better throughout the day.
Additionally, facilitator-led groups can offer tailored expert emotional support by discussing helpful strategies like prioritizing self-care or practicing mindfulness.
Interested In Joining A Group?
Joining an Alzheimer’s support group offers many benefits like practical, social, and emotional support to help both you and your care recipient have better days. Meeting regularly with caregivers on a similar path can provide you with the community, understanding, resources, and guidance you need. Make sure to take some time and search for the right group for you.
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