You may wonder why a support group is of any value to a caregiver so overworked and emotionally exhausted. Those are two of the reasons to attend a support group.
Caregivers usually have few people to talk to about the difficult times caregiving and when they do, the other person wants to fix the problem. Although this is valid and may be what the caregiver wants, usually they just want some validation for the work and exhaustion. Frequently, without help or have only to make the necessary trips out of the house, caregivers are easily pulled into the rut of same old trips to the store and the doctor. Perhaps, if lucky, they will get an hour for themselves but even then it is tempered with needing to be back without any unavoidable delay.
Caregivers frequently have their creativity diminished due to lack of stimulation. So when a problem comes up they are absolutely without any idea of how to tackle the problem. A support group is one way to meet this need, but is especially good at offering limited advice and never diminishing the feelings involved, because they have been right where this person is. And in many cases caregivers attend without knowing any one and it is a place to vent, without repercussions. There is no one better to answer the question or concern than someone who has been there first.
Frequently caregivers will find that there is respite care available from the county for the caregiver to attend a support group meeting or a friend of the person being cared for would enjoy some one on one time with the person. Support groups can be found in the local newspaper/meeting times; at www.alz.org; by contacting the local hospital outpatient services; through the medical professional who works with the person affected; by contacting clergy at the church of choice and the list goes on. In many areas of the country there is a service set up on 211 phone number to access help.
A support group is a freedom which every caregiver needs and should be treated too. There is nothing wrong with the caregiver which creates the need for a support group rather just the opposite. Begin the new lease on life today, you deserve it.You may wonder why a support group is of any value to a caregiver so overworked and emotionally exhausted. Those are two of the reasons to attend a support group.
Caregivers usually have few people to talk to about the difficult times caregiving and when they do, the other person wants to fix the problem. Although this is valid and may be what the caregiver wants, usually they just want some validation for the work and exhaustion. Frequently, without help or have only to make the necessary trips out of the house, caregivers are easily pulled into the rut of same old trips to the store and the doctor. Perhaps, if lucky, they will get an hour for themselves but even then it is tempered with needing to be back without any unavoidable delay.
Caregivers frequently have their creativity diminished due to lack of stimulation. So when a problem comes up they are absolutely without any idea of how to tackle the problem. A support group is one way to meet this need, but is especially good at offering limited advice and never diminishing the feelings involved, because they have been right where this person is. And in many cases caregivers attend without knowing any one and it is a place to vent, without repercussions. There is no one better to answer the question or concern than someone who has been there first.
Frequently caregivers will find that there is respite care available from the county for the caregiver to attend a support group meeting or a friend of the person being cared for would enjoy some one on one time with the person. Support groups can be found in the local newspaper/meeting times; at www.alz.org; by contacting the local hospital outpatient services; through the medical professional who works with the person affected; by contacting clergy at the church of choice and the list goes on. In many areas of the country there is a service set up on 211 phone number to access help.
A support group is a freedom which every caregiver needs and should be treated too. There is nothing wrong with the caregiver which creates the need for a support group rather just the opposite. Begin the new lease on life today, you deserve it.
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