There are nearly 40 million caregivers across the United States who are providing support, care and assistance to aging loved ones. Very few of these individuals are trained, and most, if not all, are providing these services free of charge. Approximately 40 percent of these individuals provide more than 30 hours a week of caregiving for their loved ones, including everything from shuttling to and from doctor’s appointments, assistance with basic activities, managing finances and so much more.
“Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is a noble calling, but it’s also difficult, stressful and overwhelming,” says Phil Noto, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, a memory care assisted living community in Trumbull, CT. “When you’re in this situation, it’s easy to let your own needs slide because you’re so busy taking care of everyone else. However, this can lead to burnout, isolation, stress and mental and physical health issues.”
Phil says that joining a memory care support group is a great way to help with the effects of caregiving. “It’s really one of the best things you can do for yourself, because you’ll be able to interact with other people who are going through the same things you are,” he says. “Not only will you have people who understand what you’re going through, but you can also gain valuable tips and make lifelong friendships.”
Here are some of the biggest benefits of joining a caregiver support group when you’re caring for a loved one with dementia.
1. It’s a social outlet.
Being around others isn’t just enjoyable. It’s something that we, as social creatures, require in order to be mentally and emotionally healthy. Many caregivers can find it hard to keep up their social engagements due to exhaustion, stress or just being too busy. In time, this leads to isolation, depression and poor mental health. By joining a support group – in-person or online – you can be instantly surrounded by people with whom you can laugh, cry, vent – all the while knowing they totally get you.
2. It gives you permission to care for yourself, too.
As mentioned above, caregivers can often neglect themselves and their needs for a variety of reasons. However, burning the candle at both ends leaves caregivers ragged and exhausted, which means neither they nor their loved one with dementia are getting the best care possible. By joining a support group, caregivers can get encouragement and validation that it’s perfectly okay – nay, essential – to take some time for yourself. Not only is the act of attending a support group a break in and of itself but the connections and friends you make can encourage you to take a little break if they see that you need it.
3. It helps give you strength during hard times.
Let’s face it: caregiving is tough, and your loved one with dementia will have good days and bad days. During those particularly rough times, the support of fellow caregivers can give you the strength and support you need to face another day. Sometimes, all you need to hear is validation from someone who truly understands – and in memory care support groups, you’ll find that in spades, without feeling like you’re being a burden to family members or friends.
4. It’s a safe, confidential and non-judgmental place.
Support groups are, by their nature, confidential. That means that no matter what you say, even if it’s something you’re not proud of like snapping at your loved one with memory issues, will be listened to and accepted without judgment. You can vent your concerns, frustrations and get things off your chest worry-free.
5. It’s a great source for information and advice.
One of the most useful aspects of a memory care support group is the advice and information you can receive. Everyone in the group is going through, has gone through or will go through the same issues you’re currently having. It’s a great place to learn from others, and in turn you can help people who may be going through something you’ve already experienced. You can also get great practical advice like healthcare recommendations, ideas of products that can make your life easier, resource information and firsthand tips on how to deal with specific challenges.
6. It helps prevent burnout.
By attending memory care support groups regularly, caregivers end up being less likely to experience complete burnout. According to research, caregivers serve in their role for approximately four years, which is a long time to be stressed. Finding ways to deal with issues on a regular basis can be helpful, rewarding and give you that extra push you need to take a deep breath and carry on.
7. It can improve your mental health.
Caring for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or another memory impairment is emotionally draining. Memory care support groups can help. All the reasons listed above can add up to better mental health because you end up feeling supported, uplifted, validated and listened to. You’ll also be able to gain valuable information and advice, which can make things less bleak and give you more of a feeling of control. Finally, you can make strong friendships – which we all know do wonders for our emotional and mental health.
Stepping outside your caregiver role from time to time and making connections and finding support from others in similar situations is necessary for managing your own health – physical, emotional and mental. If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you should never feel guilty or selfish about taking time for yourself. Always remember: the healthier and stronger you are, the better care you’ll be able to provide your loved one.
If you would like more information about memory care support groups, contact us at 203.397.6800.
Personalized Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull’s highly specialized, resident-centered BRIDGES® program is a positive, uplifting approach to memory care and wellness that focuses on a resident’s current skills and abilities, not on those that have been lost to dementia.
Each programming plan is as unique as the resident it serves, requiring all Bridges® team members to take an active interest in getting to know each resident on a personal level. Then, accounting for a particular resident’s preferences, interests, needs and abilities, we customize the most efficient blend of expert-recommended care, exercises, activities and communication techniques in order to connect with the individual, encourage their involvement in daily life and create happy, meaningful moments.
Intimate Environment
Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull features four distinct households, each with its own spacious common areas, along with 14 private and two companion suites. Suites feature private bathrooms and walk-in showers.
Each household has a home-like look and feel, creating an atmosphere of warmth, security and comfort for our residents and their families. While furnishings are provided, we encourage families to furnish their loved ones’ suites with favorite possessions from home to help them feel at home.
Featuring stunning residential design that complements the surrounding community, every inch of the interior is designed to benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable and safe.
Call us today at 203.397.6800 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull or to schedule a personal tour.