More than 29% of the U.S. population is providing care for a loved one.
This creates an ongoing need for a family caregiver support system. A family caregiver also deals with the love and attachment they've experienced with this loved one, making it much more stressful. It’s more difficult to care for, and watch the decline of someone you love.
On the other side, perhaps it’s a parent that you've been distant with for a reason. A good support group allows you to express yourself without feeling guilty or embarrassed, outside of your immediate family. You can vent, cry, ask questions, learn and meet new people while taking care of you.
Benefits of a Good Support Group:
Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- A non-judgmental environment to share your concerns, challenges and joys with those who know what you’re going through.
- Advice so you know what is in store.
- Encouragement
- The opportunity to learn coping skills
- A place to share or vent without your family being there.
- Examples of other group members experiences dealing with loved ones.
- A place to make friendships with others going through the same thing
- An opportunity to just get out of the house
Caregiver Groups: These are for caregivers only. They focus on the caregiver specifically, founded on the shared experience that comes from caring for a loved one. Caregivers have a chance to focus on their own needs, rather than just the needs or condition of the care recipient.
Condition-Specific Groups: Focus on the specific disease/ condition. These are usually organized by a hospital, non-profit group, or organization, such as the Alzheimer’s Association or the ALS Association. The group is usually organized by one group, or sub-groups such as patients, family members, or a combination of both. They’re wonderful because they provide resources and up-to-date information. Call your local hospitals, ask your doctor, go online to look up the disease specific organization. Someone will be able to assist you.
Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Relationship-Oriented Support Groups: Primarily deals with the relationship between caregiver and the one being cared for. Often, the group will focus on the needs of children, adult Children caring for aging parents, or spouses of the care recipients.
On-line Groups:
I absolutely love both of these sites! They offer a range of resources from letting you post a question, read an article to looking into any type of care assistance needed. Sign up quickly and get the newsletter. Best of all, it’s FREE. It’s wonderful for offering support and information to those who cannot leave the home environment, or wish to remain anonymous.
Visit a few groups before deciding on which group you would like to attend regularly. Different groups have different dynamics. If you don’t like one, seek another. They are not all the same. Be sure you’re comfortable with the group members and the group leader. As a visitor, you may be a little overwhelmed. That’s to be expected. Keep to yourself and just listen. Be good to yourself and give it a little time. There’s nothing wrong with having a friend go along with you for support. They may not be able to help you with caregiving, but are happy to accompany you.
Most Important:
Take time to take care of yourself. Being a caregiver is perhaps the most difficult job out there. Do not lose yourself in this undertaking. Be steadfast in protecting your own life and relationships. Please don’t allow yourself to become cut off from family and friends. You will need them when the caregiving comes to an end.
And … what do I always say?
You are as important as the one you are caring for! Believe it!
Sources: Me
All my best!
Visit me!
Home Care Blog at www.homecareelgin.com/blog
Curious about in home care? www.homecareelgin.com
Senior Care . Alzheimer's Care . Recuperative Care . Continuing Care. Emergency Help Buttons
630.584.3361
