The 2023 State of Caregiving Survey found that 41.8 million Americans gave unpaid care for a loved one in 2023. This is one of the most significant unacknowledged issues facing Americans, and as the Baby Boomer group ages, more and more caregivers will encounter similar issues. Sons or daughters who reside close to their parents make up most of these caregivers. In addition to their jobs and other obligations, they care for others for an average of 24 hours every week.
This figure rises to almost 37 hours a week of unpaid labor for caregivers who reside with their sick loved ones. It should come as no surprise that 82% of caregivers claim that providing care jeopardizes their physical and mental health. According to 76% of family caregivers, they weren’t ready for this kind of work
Those who look after older family members may experience conflicting emotions. A group frequently referred to as the Sandwich Generation, 36% of caregivers are between the ages of 50 and 64, and many of them have adult children and grandkids in addition to their parents, whom they must help.
Several support groups for caregivers have emerged in response to this problem, which is becoming more and more common. By 2023, one in five American adults will be caring for an aged person, and most will require guidance, assistance, and understanding. If you are new to caregiving or need encouragement after a lengthy period of caregiving, these caregiver support groups are a good place to start.
How Do You Pick a Support Group for Caregivers?
Caregivers can exchange knowledge, worries, and experiences in a secure and encouraging setting by joining an online or live support group.
One of the many advantages of support groups for caregivers is that you may access them from anywhere. As social media usage rises, Facebook is a widely used tool for finding online support groups. Facebook’s vast user base allows many caregiver support groups to be established and used. You can select a caregiver support group depending on who you are providing care for—a friend, family member, spouse, or parent, for example—or what ailment or condition they have.
You also have a lot of options if you would rather go to an in-person support group. Some caregivers seek support from a friend or faith-based community group. Another great way to meet people going through similar experiences is to attend local or regional caregiver support groups.
Support Groups for Caregivers
Numerous kinds of support groups for caregivers are available. Listed below are some of the choices:
1. Memory People
Memory People was established in 2010 to support people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and memory impairment. Its primary objective is to educate, support, and raise awareness among caregivers.
It is available to caregivers and people who suffer from memory impairment-causing conditions. Recall People provide its community with the most recent caregiver education options as well as in-person meet-up events where members can exchange support.
2. Caring For Elderly Parents
Taking care of elderly parents may be a gratifying and demanding endeavor. It can be frustrating, but you can take care of the people who have supported you for most of your life.
A Facebook caregiver support group called Caring for Elderly Parents gives members a place to air their grievances, exchange knowledge, and give encouraging counsel to others who are finding it difficult to handle their new duties.
3. Working Daughter
Being a caregiver is a big job in and of itself but juggling a job at the same time can make things even more difficult.
A group for women who are balancing a profession, taking on the role of caregiver, and living their life simultaneously is called Working Daughter. It is advised for women to become a part of a community that is encouraging and safe to ask concerns or offer counsel to others.
4. Caregivers Connect
Giving voice to caregivers, people who know caregivers, and industry professionals is the goal of this caregiver support organization. Caregivers Connect is a forum for caregivers to get support, guidance, and education—regardless of whether they care for a spouse, family member, or other loved one.
To foster a welcoming environment, members of this support group frequently share their personal stories, inspirational quotes, and practical resources.
5. CaringBridge
CaringBridge aims to facilitate connections for people at any point in their health journey. With the CaringBridge Planner, your loved ones can create an online community with people going through similar experiences by sharing health updates and offering support to one another. Launch a free website right now.
If you would instead attend an in-person caregiver support group, you have access to a wealth of tools to help you find the right support group.
6. Mental Health America
Taking on the role of a loved one’s caregiver is not an easy undertaking. Mental Health America offers you the assistance you require as well as a sympathetic ear.
They offer guidance and support to both you and your loved one should they also require mental health caregiver support.
7. Eldercare Locator
The United States Administration on Aging manages this support database, which links you to resources you might require. They offer a directory of resources, including everything from dietary advice to legal aid.
If you need help, you can use their website’s support search function or give their toll-free number a call.
Ultimately!
Many different caregiver support groups are available, whether you need one yourself or you know someone who does. Finding a network of support, whether online or in person, can take a great deal of the burden off your shoulders and reduce the stress of taking care of a loved one.
