9 Caregiver Support Groups that Help Caregivers in Need
Taking on the role of a caregiver for a loved one or a friend is a huge responsibility. It can be a massively rewarding, positive experience. However, many find that without proper support, either from loved ones or caregiver support groups, it can be lonely and isolating.
There are multiple types of support groups available – both online or in-person. We turned to CaringBridge users, the real experts, to share caregiver support groups that they’ve found to be helpful.
How Do You Choose a Caregiver Support Group?
A support group, either online or in-person, is a place in which caregivers can share expertise, concerns or experiences in a safe, supportive environment.
Online support groups for caregivers offer many benefits, including the ability to access them wherever you are. As social media continues to grow, a popular platform to find online support groups is through Facebook. Because so many people are on Facebook, it allows for a large amount of caregiver support groups to be created and utilized. You can choose a caregiver support group based on the person you are caring for – like a family member, spouse, parent or friend – or based on the illness or condition in which the person you are caring for has.
If you prefer attending an in-person support group, there are many options available to you as well. Some caregivers turn to a community group, like a faith community or friend group. Attending regional or local caregiver support groups is also an excellent option to connect with individuals in similar situations.
Related Reading: 10 Soul Healing Tips to Prevent Caregiver Burnout
Online Caregiver Support Groups
Just like in-person support groups, there are many types of online support groups that you have access to. Here are a few of our favorite options from CaringBridge users and thought leaders in the caring network:
1. Memory People
Founded in 2010 for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and memory impairment support, Memory People’s base goal is to provide support, education and awareness for caregivers.
It is open to those with a condition that causes memory impairment and their caregivers. Memory People keeps its community up-to-date with the latest education opportunities for caregivers and events in which members can meet each other to share support in person.
2. Caring For Elderly Parents
Caring for aging parents can be a stressful, yet rewarding task. You’re able to care for those who supported you for most of your life, but it can be a frustrating time in your life, too.
Caring for Elderly Parents is a caregiver support group on Facebook that provides a space to vent frustrations, share information or offer supportive advice for those that are struggling with their new responsibilities.
3. Working Daughter
Becoming a caregiver is a large task in itself, but can become even more daunting if you are balancing a career as well.
Working Daughter is a community for women that are juggling a career, becoming a caregiver and the rest of their lives all-in-one. Women are encouraged to join for a supportive community full of encouragement, as well as a safe place to ask questions or give advice to others.
4. Caregivers Connect
The aim of this caregiver support group is to give a voice to those that are a caregiver, know one or are an industry professional. No matter whether you’re caring for a spouse, family member or other loved one, Caregivers Connect provides a space to inspire, advise and educate caregivers.
In this support group, members often post inspiration, helpful resources and even share their own stories as a way to build their supportive community.
5. CaringBridge
The goal of CaringBridge is to provide a connection for those at any stage during their health journey. Your loved ones can post health updates and communicate support through the CaringBridge Planner to develop an online community with those in similar situations. Start a free site today.
Don’t go through your health journey alone.
You can stay connected to friends and family, plan and coordinate meals, and experience love from any distance.
All of this is ready for you when you start your personal CaringBridge site, which is completely free of charge, ad-free, private and secure. Don’t spend another minute alone!
“Loved emails from CaringBridge with updated posts on my loved one.”
Bonnie B.
“CaringBridge was a blessing.”
Jean W.
“CaringBridge is a wonderful place to share how people are doing.”
Carleen C.W.D.
In-person Caregiver Support Groups
If you prefer an in-person caregiver support group, there are many resources available to you to aid in your search for a support group that best suits your needs.
6. Faith-Based Support Communities
If you belong to a church or local faith community, many caregivers report finding massive amounts of support in communities like these.
7. Mental Health America
Taking on the responsibility of becoming a caregiver for a loved one is not a simple task. Mental Health America provides a listening ear and offers you the support you need.
They provide support and assistance for you, and also your loved one if they are in need of mental health caregiver support, too.
Related Reading: Caring for the Caregiver: 25 Ways to Care for Yourself
8. Eldercare Locator
This support database is run by the United States Administration on Aging, connecting you with resources that you may be in need of. They provide a directory of support on topics like nutritional guides to legal assistance.
You can search for support on their website, or call their toll-free phone number if you are in need of assistance.
9. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center
Here you can find resources that are the closest in proximity to you, staffed by trained professionals that can offer you information or support. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center also provides separate support groups for those in early or late stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Support Is There For You If You Need It
Whether you are in need of a support group for caregivers or know someone who is, there are a variety of caregiver support groups out there. Finding a supportive community either in-person or online can be a massive weight off of your shoulders, and can ease the stress of caring for a loved one.
Are you a member of a support group that you found to be helpful? We would love for you to share your insight with us and the rest of the CaringBridge community in the comment section below!