Being a caregiver can be an isolating experience. Besides the day-in, day-out routine that seems to take up all of your waking hours, you also find yourself in a situation where other people don’t really “get” what it’s like for you. Fortunately, even if you feel alone, you’re not alone in this challenge.

“One of the best things a caregiver can do for herself is to connect with other caregivers,” says Michelle Pelham, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community in Nashua, NH. “Being able to talk with someone else who understands your situation – really understands – can provide priceless support.”

Michelle says that when you’re able to share your feelings, emotions and frustrations with someone who ‘gets it,’ your overall quality of life improves tremendously. “Humans are social creatures, and the act of sharing our concerns is what bonds us to each other and allows us to work through our emotions,” she says. “Talking to other caregivers gives you that support and understanding you’re looking for, so you feel less alone and better equipped to care for your loved one.”

Support can be found in caregiver support groups in-person or online, but Michelle says that simply connecting with someone in your life who has been a caregiver (or is currently a caregiver) can be enough. “The goal is to find someone who won’t judge, who can help you work through your feelings and who will provide a supportive shoulder when you need it,” she says. “And, of course, you can be the same for them – what a gift that can be!”

Benefit #1: Stress reduction.

Let’s face it: it’s stressful when you aren’t able to talk about the things that bother you. (As we mentioned before, that’s simply human nature.) This is especially true for caregiving, because you may be doing this for the first time, and you’re concerned and worried about whether or not you’re doing it “right.” Being able to talk to other caregivers who’ve been in the same position as you will reduce stress, validates your feelings and provides much-needed connection and support. That understanding results in less anxiety, more surety and a higher level of well-being.

Benefit #2: Social support.

Talking with other caregivers can provide a much-needed jolt of social support. It’s not uncommon for caregivers to not have the energy to reach out to their other friends because they feel like they have nothing to add to the conversation except for conversation about caregiving. Connecting with other caregivers takes away that worry. Even better, other caregivers will listen without judgement, knowing that any frustrations, anger or issues you’re expressing are a natural part of caregiving. That non-judgement can be just what a caregiver needs to keep going.

Benefit #3: Tips and advice.

Not surprisingly, other caregivers are some of your best resources when it comes to getting advice, finding out about different support systems, tips on how to manage issues and so much more. This is one of the reasons caregiver groups are so popular, because you’ll find caregivers in a wide variety of situations, from brand-new to old hat. However, there’s always an opportunity to learn something new about caregiving, even if you’re a professional, and talking with others can provide new information you might not have come across before.

Benefit #4: Improved caregiving skills.

Ultimately, we all want to be the best caregiver to our loved one. But most of us aren’t professional caregivers. Reaching out to other caregivers can give you ideas and tools for becoming a better caregiver and providing a better quality of life for your loved one. Doing this will help ease your mind, make your burden easier and make life happier for you, your family and everyone involved in this journey.

Benefit #5: A sense of control.

There is no instruction manual for being a caregiver. It’s not a paint-by-numbers situation where if you do X then Y and Z. Instead, it can often feel like a scrambled mess, and caregivers may find themselves feeling like they’re spinning a million plates in the air without having control of any of them. Talking with other caregivers gives you a chance to take a breath, gain some valuable third-party insight and allow you to look at your situation more clearly. Understanding what you can and can’t control, as well as gaining knowledge to help you be a better caregiver, ultimately results in a greater sense of control and confidence.

Support Groups at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua

“As a memory care assisted living community, we intimately understand the many challenges and issues that family caregivers go through,” says Michelle. “We hold a monthly support group that is open to all members of our community, even to caregivers whose loved one is not a resident in our community. We see it as our mission to provide care, understanding, support and validation for anyone who may be navigating this journey. It’s a hard road to walk, but knowing that you’re not alone and that there are people who are here to understand and help can make all the difference in the world.”

If you’re interested in attending one of our monthly support or educational groups, we encourage you to reach out to our Senior Advisor. They are completely free and currently also completely virtual. We would love the opportunity to get to meet you, share our knowledge and help you gain the tools you need to provide the best possible care for your loved one.

A Fulfilling Lifestyle

Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua provides expert memory care within an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, independence and fulfilment in daily life.

Dedicated Memory Care

Our programs, care and services are all designed to celebrate our residents’ lives and support each resident’s individual strengths and abilities. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, our memory care professionals work to maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents every day.

Stunning, Purpose-Built Design

Featuring a stunning, purposeful design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua is so much more than a beautiful place to live . . . It’s a community focused on enriching the lives of our residents and helping their families enjoy meaningful relationships with them. Our evidence-based design features, including soft paint colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations, provide a soothing and easy-to-navigate environment.

 Contact us today to learn more.