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Successful Aging - Archived Article
Caregiver Support Groups
Are you a caregiver for an older friend or relative? To be a caregiver doesn't necessarily mean you are living with the person. It just means that you are providing some help, such as assistance with shopping, errands, financial matters, personal care or supervision.
There can be many stresses involved with being a caregiver. One of them is feeling like you are doing it all alone. To combat that feeling of isolation, you may find great help in having a place where you can talk about the feelings and frustrations you are experiencing. You might also want some advice from others, or, to share some tips you have picked up along the way. Even though you love the elder you are caring for, you will feel refreshed if you get some time away to take care of yourself.
A caregiver support group can meet all these needs. Support groups promote the concept of people helping and caring for one another. A group can be led by a professional or a volunteer. Membership is flexible; you can go as often as you like.
If you've never attended a caregiver support group, what is holding you back? Maybe you have a preconceived notion about what goes on in groups. Some people fear they will have to expose themselves and reveal secrets in public. Others feel it is a sign of weakness to seek help.
The truth is that support groups can help manage stress and provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and learn from others. Through sharing and learning you help yourself and others at the same time. Some people come to talk, others just to learn and listen. Groups give members a sense of community, that you are not alone and that others are going through it too. The person you care for will also benefit.
In a survey conducted for an online support group, it was found that people felt empowered by participating. It gave them hope and led to positive personal changes. In another study, it was shown that caregivers that had assistance from support services were able to deter placing their loved one in an institution for a year. A group can help to relieve the stresses of caregiving and make for a better relationship between the caregiver and their loved one.
Of course, support groups may not overcome all the challenges of caring for an elder. Another benefit is that they can help people learn to accept their situation for what it is and realize that some problems cannot be solved.
Not all groups are for everyone. It may be necessary to try a few different groups before you find one that is a good fit. There are many groups in our area for caregivers. Some are disease-specific (such as those run by the Alzheimer's Association.), and others are for all caregivers.
The Broome County Office for Aging offers two general support groups for caregivers. The Daytime group meets the first Monday of the month at Lourdes Hospital and the Evening group meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Vestal Library. To find out more about the Office for Aging Caregiver Support Groups or other groups in the area, call 607.778.2411.