Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 12:23:34 GMT -5
When Danae was a child, her dad kept a standing appointment every Saturday at 7 a.m. He met with a small group of friends at a local doughnut shop to have coffee and “solve the world’s problems,” as he put it. Whether he knew it or not, he was participating in a support group.
Today, as her dad’s caregiver, Danae relies on a support group, too. She attends a monthly social event for Alzheimer’s caregivers where they have forged friendships with one another and, perhaps more importantly, they have come to understand that they are not alone in some of their caregiver frustrations. By sharing tips, they help ease each other’s caregiving burden just a little. That’s one of the benefits of support groups.
According to the Mayo Clinic, participating in a support group can help caregivers feel “less lonely, isolated or judged.” Support groups also can help you feel more empowered, increase your coping skills and allow you to exchange notes regarding medical professionals or treatments.
Caregiver support groups exist both online and in the community, and you often can find groups for specific health conditions or situations, such as Parkinson’s or spousal caregiving. Online groups may work well for people who tend to be a bit shy or who can only participate at odd hours, while in-person groups allow participants to socialize in person and share real tears, hugs and laughs.
Today, as her dad’s caregiver, Danae relies on a support group, too. She attends a monthly social event for Alzheimer’s caregivers where they have forged friendships with one another and, perhaps more importantly, they have come to understand that they are not alone in some of their caregiver frustrations. By sharing tips, they help ease each other’s caregiving burden just a little. That’s one of the benefits of support groups.
According to the Mayo Clinic, participating in a support group can help caregivers feel “less lonely, isolated or judged.” Support groups also can help you feel more empowered, increase your coping skills and allow you to exchange notes regarding medical professionals or treatments.
Caregiver support groups exist both online and in the community, and you often can find groups for specific health conditions or situations, such as Parkinson’s or spousal caregiving. Online groups may work well for people who tend to be a bit shy or who can only participate at odd hours, while in-person groups allow participants to socialize in person and share real tears, hugs and laughs.