Caring for a senior parent can be an excellent opportunity to bond and create lasting memories, but at times it may also be challenging and stressful, which is why family caregivers need to find positive people—such as a support group—to turn to for advice, encouragement, and tips. Here are some of the benefits you could receive if you decide to join a caregiver support group.
1. Spend Time in a Nonjudgmental Space
On the bad days when you need to vent, you can go to group meetings and talk about everything you need to get out, such as not receiving assistance from family members, being undervalued, or any fears you have about your loved one’s health. While in the group, you can speak about the issues that are important to you without worrying about what others will think. Members of the caregiver support group will listen to you and provide honest but nonjudgmental feedback.
Group members will probably tell you how important it is for family caregivers to care for their own wellbeing, too. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide elder care. Reston families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
2. Seek Advice
If you’ve been trying to help your parent respond better to treatment or be less reluctant to receive assistance from you and other family members, you may get the answers you’re looking for when you join a caregiver support group. The members can share similar stories and explain how they simplify their own caregiving duties. You can use these tips to strengthen your relationship with your loved one and make your daily tasks less difficult.
Other family caregivers can also offer sound advice about hiring a professional caregiver. When researching agencies that provide in-home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care.
3. Learn about Financial Resources
When caregivers are new to the role and have no prior experience, they’re often unaware of the financial resources available to seniors at the federal, state, and local levels. By signing up for a support group, you could learn about government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses that assist seniors by alleviating some of the financial strain. Make sure to ask the group leader and other members of the support group about discounts for meals, transportation, and respite care as well as programs your loved one may be entitled to participate in.
4. Communicate with Other Caregivers Online
Caregiver support groups are available in person and online, giving you more flexibility. If you’re up late at night and have a question or need to talk with someone because you’re experiencing anxiety, you could log on to an online caregiver support group and speak with other members regardless of the time of day. Since most online discussion forums never close, caregivers can send emails and instant messages or chat with group members without having to wait for the next weekly meeting.
5. Build Friendships
Maintaining a social life is important for family caregivers because it gives them the separation they need from their elderly parents. However, some caregivers distance themselves from their friends due to their caregiving roles. You may assume your friends don’t understand your responsibilities, so you withdraw from them. When you join a caregiver support group, the members know what you’re going through and can make you feel more comfortable. Although you should try to hold on to your close relationships, it’s also great to build new friendships with other caregivers.
If you’re feeling isolated and overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, a support group can be a wonderful source of encouragement. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior care. Reston families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care Reston is here to help. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at 703-556-8983 today.
