The rush of emotions you feel when suddenly placed in the position of caring for a loved one can be overwhelming. But often, the overriding feeling is one of being alone — even when you have help. That’s when it’s time to seek additional support. Caregiver support groups are becoming more popular in the United States, but not all caregivers are aware of the incredible benefits of these groups or where to find them.
The Benefits of Support
Support groups can help caregivers in many ways. Gary Barg, editor-in-chief of Today's Caregiver magazine and author of the book The Fearless Caregiver: How to Get the Best Care for Your Loved One and Still Have a Life of Your Own, believes the main benefit of having a support group is helping caregivers understand there are people who not only know what you are going through, but are experiencing it as well.
Barg believes the most common mistake caregivers make is not understanding the importance of caring for their own needs. Support groups can play a vital part in meeting some of those needs, and help prevent feelings of inadequacy and burnout.
Finding the Right Support
There are many different kinds of support, and it's important to find the type that is right for you. Do you just need to talk about your situation with someone? Or would you prefer the give-and-take of a group setting? Do you have a hard time getting out of the house? Taking these things into consideration will give you clues as to what type of support fits your situation.
Libraries, senior centers and community centers often can point you in the right direction, and an Internet search can yield numerous online support networks worth checking out. If your loved one suffers from a condition like Alzheimer's, you may also want to look into organizations specific to that disease, which often offer specialized support.
Keep an Open Mind
The most important thing to remember when first trying a support group is not to make up your mind right away as to whether or not this is the group for you. "Oftentimes, people are initially uncomfortable in group situations," says Barg. "I always recommend that caregivers go to the group at least three times. Often, the third time they attend, they realize that they now have a family who cares about what they are going through."
