Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a lonely, isolating experience, which is why caregiver support groups can be such a boon for family caregivers. Studies have shown that support groups, whether in-person or virtual, can help caregivers feel less overwhelmed, alleviate symptoms of stress, increase social connections and improve their sense of well-being.
“When you’re a caregiver, you often end up shutting yourself away from other aspects of your life that you previously enjoyed because you simply don’t have time to take care of everything,” says Beth Vellante, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA. “This leads to burnout, depression and other health issues. It’s also easy to feel like no one in your life can understand what you’re going through, which is another reason support groups are so beneficial. You’re able to be around others who are going through or who have gone through what you’re experiencing. You can gain support, get advice, discover resources and gather with others who really ‘get’ you.”
However, she says, it can be intimidating to walk into that room the first time and talk to strangers about your caregiving experience. Some may feel like it’s simply too daunting, regardless of what the benefits could be. A lot of this, says Beth, is because most of us don’t really know what to expect when going to a caregiver support group.
Let’s demystify some of the aspects of support groups, why they’re worth your time, an overview of how a meeting usually works and information on how to find a support group near you.
Why Caregiver Support Groups Are Worth It
It’s a scheduled time for you to take care of you.
Support groups are regularly scheduled gatherings of people whose lives are affected by caregiving in some way, shape or form. Emphasis on the “regularly scheduled.” It’s an opportunity to get together with like-minded people on a regular basis that you don’t have to schedule or coordinate. All you have to do is show up and spend an hour or two focusing on your needs.
It allows you to learn about valuable resources and tips from experienced caregivers.
Support groups are made up of caregivers, both formal and informal, but you also may have social workers and other professionals in the group who are there to share their experiences and wisdom. You get firsthand experience and can ask questions of a real, live person who won’t judge you.
It helps you feel less alone.
As we mentioned before, it can be lonely to be a caregiver for someone with dementia – not to mention frustrating, frightening and overwhelming. Support groups help you realize you’re not alone, and there are others out there who are willing to support you in any way possible. As more and more seniors become diagnosed with a form of dementia (according to the Alzheimer’s Association®, approximately 5.2 million seniors have dementia today), it’s important for loved ones and family members to understand that their experience is not unique – and that help is there.
What to Expect at a Support Group Meeting
There are no specific rules for how a caregiver support group is run. Unlike an AA meeting or other form of group therapy, the sessions are dictated by the preferences and schedules of the organizers. The purpose of the group is to provide support and understanding, and that can take many different forms.
Usually, the meeting is kicked off by an organizer or group leader. This can be a family caregiver, social worker, psychologist or another professional. The leader can rotate meeting-to-meeting, or there may be one group leader who structures the meeting, initiates icebreakers and conversation and runs the sessions each time.
Generally, when you visit the support group, you’ll sign up on a provided sheet and sit in a circle or semicircle of chairs. At the appointed time, the leader will kick off the meeting. This can be done through icebreaker questions, announcing the topic of discussion for the day or by introducing a speaker. Oftentimes, the facilitator will go around the room and ask everyone to introduce themselves and give an overview of their caregiving situation.
From there, the support groups will differ based on the mix of people attending, the topics being covered and the general dynamic of the group. Since everybody’s caregiving situation is unique, we recommend that caregivers visit a variety of groups in your area before committing to any one group. You’ll want to find a group that fits your vibe, your schedule and your overall situation, so don’t be afraid to keep searching if this one or that doesn’t work for you.
How to Find a Local Caregiver Support Group
Ask around.
Inquire at your social clubs, church or other organization you’re a part of. More than likely, one of your fellow members can direct you to a resource, or the organization itself will have a sponsored group arranged already. Be sure to ask friends and family members, too, if they know of any informal groups that have helped them out in the past.
Connect with local memory care communities.
Many memory care communities like Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover offer free, open-to-the-public support groups and resources for family caregivers. Meetings at these locations can be particularly beneficial because caregivers are encouraged to bring their senior family member with them. Oftentimes, the community will hold activities for individuals with dementia during the time of the meeting or event so that caregivers can have a break and the seniors with dementia can experience the beneficial programming available at that community.
Go online.
The Internet is a wealth of knowledge and can provide countless avenues for support and encouragement. Look for local resources and area Agencies on Aging for starters. You’ll also be able to find some Internet-based support groups (or chat boards) if the idea of going to a meeting in person gives you pause. Many large groups will have local chapters, so if you dip your toe into the water and start feeling more secure, you can meet up with others in real life.
If you aren’t sure whether a caregiver support group would be beneficial for you, Beth encourages you to do your research and keep an open mind. “We always encourage caregivers to attend at least one support group just to see what it’s all about,” she says. “You may end up being surprised by what you learn, and how great it feels to connect with others who are going through the same challenges, frustrations and journey as you and your loved one.”
Engaging Lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and respects individual preferences. Our memory care teams receive specialized training that helps them safely support residents’ independence and elevate their self-esteem.
Dedicated Memory Care
Through early-, mid- and late-stage memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care, Personalized Services and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with respect.
Supportive, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning residential design and the amenities of a new community, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched, and their families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.
Contact us today to learn more.