Caring for the Caregiver – Submitted for the May 2020 issue
Caregiving, in general, can be very isolating, and online support groups can be a wonderful tool for those of you who are homebound and just need to communicate your thoughts and feelings with another caregiver. They are completely free, allow you to get help anytime you need, and are an effective way to relieve some of your stress. They provide a safe space to vent your feelings because others in the group understand. There is no judging, just support because “we all know what it’s like.”
The great advantage of an online support is that it’s there for you any time of day, in other words – when you need it. Traditional support groups may meet once a week or once a month, but if you’re having a tough day, it’s nice to know that you can reach out to your online caregiver “friends” right away, any time. The comfort of knowing that people you trust will be there for you at any time makes a huge difference in your emotional and mental well-being. I know for me it makes a huge difference to be able to talk to someone who has gone through, or is going through, the exact same thing that I am. We all share and understand the complicated emotions and overwhelming caregiving responsibilities, because we’ve been there. The emotional catharsis of talking to another caregiver is an important factor in a person’s well-being.
Here is a list of caregiver support groups on Facebook that you can access online, along with a description of each. I hope one or more of these will be a good fit for you.
Caregivers Connect – https://www.facebook.com/groups/CaregiversConnect/
Caregivers Connect is “a community created to bring a voice to family caregivers, and related care-industry professionals, who are caring for a parent, spouse, or loved one. Whether you are a caregiver, have been a caregiver, or know a caregiver, we hope that you can find some inspiration, and helpful resources along the way.” They offer practical resources as well as a community that invites sharing. You can feel free to talk about personal experiences and stories and to give and receive advice. They also believe in keeping family members in the loop, making sure all feel welcome.
Dementia Caregivers Support Group (#1) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/672984902717938
This group is for caregivers taking care of those whose loved ones have dementia. They have a respect rule to ensure that it remains a judgement-free environment.
“Designed to stimulate conversation and ensure all members a safe-haven in posting personal feelings.”
Dementia Caregivers Support Group (#2) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1516449868588963/?ref=br_rs
Here is a second dementia caregivers support group, put together by a woman who was caring for a mother-in-law with dementia. Since her loved one passed on, the group has continued to grow as a loving and encouraging destination and has 3,400 members and counting. The group has over 100 new posts a day, making it a great place to get answers to your caregiving questions.
The Caregiver Space Community – https://www.facebook.com/groups/216161412165764
From The Caregiver Space website: “Are you providing care for someone who is elderly, ill, or disabled? Join our supportive community of family, community, and professional caregivers. This is a private space for all people who provide care to connect and talk about their experiences. This group is part of TheCaregiverSpace.org, a nonprofit for caregivers, by caregivers.”
Caregiver Support Community – https://www.facebook.com/groups/caregiversupportcommunity/?ref=br_rs
This group is another great one for family members taking care of family—rather than for professional caregivers. Upon joining, caregivers are asked to share their stories, to make sure that this community is a good fit for you.
Caregivers Hub Support Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/CaregiversHubSupportGroup/
This group is to create a safe space for the brand new Caregiver to be supported—and sometimes mentored—by the veteran Caregiver. In their words: “ALL Caregivers are welcome here. Family Caregivers and Professional Caregivers are encouraged to support and be supported by one another.”
Caring for the Caregiver Support Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1491221791165989
Like the other groups, this is a private, safe forum for all caregivers to express their thoughts and feelings. Providing emotional caregiver support is the focus, though they do allow posts for caregivers needed and caregiver availability.
Caregivers Assist Support Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/CaregiversAssistSupportGroup/?ref=br_rs
Caregivers Assist Support Group is an online community of dedicated caregivers, led by geriatric care manager Aileen Ruess. Along with her 25 years of caregiving experience, she aims to provide a support system for both old and new caregivers. The group has over 1,400 members and is part of a comprehensive resource for caregivers that includes videos, workshops, and more. The purpose of this group is to share the best caregiving practices and learn how to live a healthy prosperous life as a caregiver.
Joyce McPartland is caregiver for her 93-year old father. She lives in Jacksonville with her husband Brian, spends her time gardening, volunteering with the Jacksonville Garden Club, hiking our local trails, reading, and most especially, spending time with her five grandchildren. You can reach Joyce at 541-218-1216, or email at joycelmcp@gmail.com.