Caring for an Aging Family Member - Support Group

Are any of these feelings familiar?

Experiences

Exhaustion, Anxiety, Loss of Patience, Endurance, Grief, Family Conflict

Emotional/Physical Responses

Guilt, Anger, Depression, Illness, Not Sleeping, Weight Loss, Guilt, Depression, Anger, Illness, Body Injury, Crying, Depression, Sadness, Anger, Guilt, Resentment

You may have avoided going to a support group because:

º You think your problem isn’t as serious as others.
º Your family member wouldn’t understand your need to go.
º You have conflicting cultural values or family rules. 
º You fear others will see your “weaknesses”.
º You might cry or become very angry.
º You feel others won’t understand your pain or frustration.

All these excuses for not attending are quickly discounted when you realize you’re part of a group who doesn’t judge you and have been in a similar circumstance.

Support Group Benefits:

• Get helpful tips on how to reduce the burden of caregiving.
• Learn new ways of caring for yourself.
• Feel empowered to take care of yourself so you can continue to lovingly care for your family member.