CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS

Is there one that's right for you? 

By: Lisa M. Petsche    

If you are a caregiver, you may have already read articles about the importance of preventing burnout. Usually they include the suggestion to join a support group. Perhaps you're reluctant, though, because you're wondering what caregiver groups are all about and whether joining one would really help you. If so, read on.

Purpose The overall goal of caregiver support groups is to enhance participants’ coping skills through mutual support and information-sharing.Objectives may include: • validating the important role of family caregivers;• exploring the challenges and rewards of caregiving; • acknowledging the emotional impact of a family member’s illness and exploring various coping strategies; • group problem-solving of practical issues; providing education about disease processes, behavioral issues and management strategies; • identifying and addressing obstacles that seniors and their caregivers encounter in the community;• promoting effective use of local resources; • recognizing caregiver needs and helping caregivers balance those needs with those of their ailing loved one.

Benefits & Limitations Benefits of group involvement include: • realizing you are not alone in your situation — feeling supported and understood;• having the opportunity to express thoughts and feelings in an empathic, non-judgmental environment; • learning from the experiences of other caregivers; • gaining satisfaction from helping others on the caregiving journey; • making new friends; • keeping current on caregiving issues and resources; • recognizing the importance of self-care.

A group setting isn't suited to everyone, though. A caregiver support group may not be as helpful for those who are: • very shy or private in nature; • self-focused, either as a longstanding personality trait or due to extreme stress;• those who have significant, often longstanding personal issues (for example, a psychiatric illness or a conflicted relationship with the care recipient). In such cases, individual counseling may be a better approach.Attending a group also may not be feasible due to severe hearing impairment or an inability to obtain respite care or transportation. Caregivers in such situations should explore:• telephone support networks• online caregiver message boards.

Types of Groups Some caregiver groups are very general and open to everyone. Others are specific to certain populations, such as caregivers of older adults or caregivers for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Some groups are quite structured, with set agendas and built-in time constraints (typically 4-6 weekly or bi-weekly sessions). Led by health care professionals, such as social workers and nurses, these groups are primarily educational in nature, and often include guest speakers. More informal groups focus primarily on emotional support. Member sharing of thoughts, feelings and experiences is key. Facilitators may be experienced caregivers or professionals who work with caregivers. Meetings are usually held monthly, with new members welcomed on an ongoing basis.

Evaluating the Support Group Experience How to tell if you've found the right group:• Is the physical setting comfortable and distraction-free?• Are group norms — such as taking turns and respecting differing viewpoints—clearly articulated and observed?• Can you relate to other members’ experiences?• Does the facilitator appear knowledgeable about caregiving issues and resources? Is he or she articulate, sensitive and skilled in maintaining focus, generating discussion, preventing individuals from dominating, and recognizing when someone needs outside help?

Highly rated groups also emphasize caregiver strengths, incorporate some humor and include time for social interaction.

SIDEBAR: Where to find information on caregiver groups

-Hospital or community social worker;

-Non-profit organization associated with your relative’s disease;

-Local agency on aging;

-Community calendar of your local newspaper;

-Senior center bulletin board;

-Community information service;

-Local public health department or mental health association.

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