Caregiver Support Groups -- Preventing Isolation Of Yourself As Caregiver
Updated: 2018-02-07
As you see your loved one requiring more care, you feel that only you can provide the care yourself. I know - even I felt this way caring for my father with frontal temporal dementia and PTSD.
You soon realize that you are devoting all of your time to your loved one, neglecting your own needs. Your health may suffer, you lose contact with friends, and you feel terrible.
Have you tried a support group with fellow caregivers? Really, hear me out here.
As you see your loved one requiring more care, you feel that only you can provide the care yourself. I know - even I felt this way caring for my father with frontal temporal dementia and PTSD.
You soon realize that you are devoting all of your time to your loved one, neglecting your own needs. Your health may suffer, you lose contact with friends, and you feel terrible.
Have you tried a support group with fellow caregivers? Really, hear me out here.
- You are overwhelmed, and feel alone. By attending a support group, you will meet others just like you. You soon realize that you are not alone.
- You hear how other families manage the struggle. For example, you learn that a family has found a really great caregiver through a local agency. This is a great lead to help find yourself another pair of hands.
- You have made new friends that understand exactly what you are going through. While your childhood friends, or friends at work, care about you, they have not walked in your shoes. Your new friends "get it." They can help you through a rough day.
- Are you shy? Do you avoid talking about yourself? No problem. Just go and listen. The support group facilitators trained by the Alzheimer's Association Greater Michigan Chapter understand that some people prefer to listen than to share.
- There is a support group for every stripe - find the right one at the Alzheimer's Organization Greater Michigan Chapter or Association for Frontal Temporal Dementia website. Early onset. Spouses who recently lost a loved one with dementia. Spouses who are still supporting a loved one with dementia. Caregiving for veterans.
- Go when you can, but make a point to go at least every other month. You want to reduce your isolation by sticking to a set schedule.
- If you are in Oakland County, Michigan, come join us the third Wednesday for an early onset group. The group meets at 5:30 pm for 90 minutes at the Bloomfield Township Senior Services Building, 4315 Andover Rd, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302.