Family caregivers are increasing every year as society continues to age. Did you know that one in five Americans is a caregiver? Most caregivers provide care to an aging family member in the home. It is no secret that the caregiving journey can be challenging and stressful. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, the average African American caregiver is 47.7 years old and cares for a parent, spouse, or grandparent over 60 years old with multiple medical conditions.
Community support groups for caregivers are often underutilized because caregivers cannot get relief from family or friends to attend them. Thanks to technology, all is not lost. The ideal experience would be to get out of the caregiver space to socialize with like-minded caregivers and discuss topics that impact them. Support groups can be done on Zoom, Meet, or even Instagram. Caregivers care for loved ones with a wide range of health conditions, and having an avenue to share in a protected space is essential.
So, considering the difficulties of caregiving, the support group option would seem to be a logical transition along with home health or a rehabilitation stay. Talking to others going through the same experiences can lead to many optimistic outcomes. Finding a support group that aligns with the loved one’s diagnosis is the most helpful.
If you are caring for a loved one with cancer, heart disease, obesity, dementia, stroke, mobility issues, or even Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers should look for support groups that will discuss your unique needs. Hence, searching for a support group appropriate for you and your loved one makes the most sense. It is essential to provide resources that support caregivers’ experiences. Caregivers need health education, time management approaches, training, and safety tips to help them, and support groups can provide these opportunities.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, caregivers can always use support groups and resources to help them manage the ins and outs of caring for a loved one. Caregiving is complex and individual, and one size doesn’t fit all. Support groups may seem intimidating, but you will gain invaluable support and education as a caregiver. Just do it! Give support groups a try. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose! Contact your local AARP or the National Alliance for Caregiving for advice and insights. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She has released her newest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.