Just like anything else, being a caregiver to someone with dementia has its rewards and challenges. You get to be a source of comfort, support and familiarity for your loved one, but you also have to manage healthcare duties, household chores and transportation. In America, there are almost 34 million people providing support to an aging loved one. And this number only continues to grow year after year.
So, how do you find the balance between being a caregiver and a loved one, and still maintaining your individual lifestyle? This is a common struggle for caregivers and it’s important for you to know you’re not alone. Sometimes all you need is someone who understands.
Joining a Dementia Support Group
With the option to join in-person or online support groups, there is no excuse not to participate. Finding a network of other caregivers to turn to for support, guidance and help is invaluable. Just like you, there are millions of caregivers around the country trying to navigate their way through this uncharted territory and you should feel empowered to find help.
Some of the major benefits of joining a support group include:
- It’s there when you need it – While you may think you can navigate most things on your own, the second you feel lost, insecure or frustrated, there is someone to help. In-person meetings typically meet at consistent times, once a week. But if you join an online community, you can find support 24/7.
- It’s a safe space – Sometimes, there are going to be feelings or emotions you don’t want to discuss with your significant other, your siblings or even your closest friends. They can’t always understand exactly what you’re feeling or trying to express. Other caregivers understand the frustration, the guilt and the exhaustion, and will not judge you for it.
- You can get personalized advice – Having the luxury of turning to a group for support is very valuable. While you may have never experienced something with your loved one before, odds are, someone in the group has. Being able to ask for advice and avoid learning things the hard way is extremely beneficial.
- You can build meaningful relationships – Believe it or not, the relationships forged in in-person and online dementia support groups can be very strong. You are connecting with these individuals on a personal and emotional level. When your loved one faces further mental decline, illness or even death, it can be comforting knowing you have a support system to turn to who truly understands your heartache.
How to Find Dementia Support Groups
Don’t let the thought of finding a support group near you stop you from taking the next step. There are a variety of options that will fit into your busy lifestyle and offer support when you need it most.
Some of these options include:
- Private Facebook support groups
- In-person support groups led by peers or professionals
- Message boards/online communities
- Senior living communities
- Local hospitals or medical centers
Being strong doesn’t mean carrying the burden of being a dementia caregiver alone. Find support anywhere you can because at some point you are going to need it, and there are millions of people out there willing to help.
24/7 Support When You Need it at Peregrine Senior Living
At Peregrine Senior Living, we offer a holistic approach to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia caregiving. We understand that supporting your loved one means providing an environment that feels like home and that allows them to continue growing and thriving. It is our goal to offer you peace of mind in the services, amenities and unique approach to memory care we offer our residents. We invite you to learn more about The Peregrine Way™ and to schedule a tour of one of our many campuses.
