The 5 Best Online Support Groups for Caregivers
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According to the AARP, over 50 million Americans provide unpaid care services, and that number is rapidly rising. From supporting aging relatives to helping those with mental disorders and severe illness, there’s no doubt that caregiving is a tough job, and caregivers’ health can take a toll. It’s difficult to support a loved one when you haven’t taken care of yourself first, which is why online support groups are so beneficial. Daily stress paired with countless responsibilities can leave you feeling exhausted and isolated, but support groups offer the encouragement and resources you need to keep going.
If you’re a caregiver, know that you’re not alone in your struggle. But with so many choices available, how do you find the right group for you? Since no two situations are identical, there’s an option out there for every caregiver. Many of these online groups are free, and all are easy to use, making them accessible whenever you need them. Below, we’ve narrowed down five of the best online support groups to help guide you on your caregiving journey.
Dementia Caregivers Support Group
Started by one overstressed caregiver, this popular online group has grown to include over 60,000 members and counting. It has become a global community for sharing encouragement, information, and concerns with thousands of others in a similar position, and the only requirement is being the primary caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
This online community serves as an educational resource, a great place to find caregiving suggestions and tips, vent, share experiences and find the latest news in dementia care. As a member, you can post and comment on posts from caregivers worldwide while learning how to combat the unique challenges facing those with memory loss. Join the group on Facebook to ask for help, lend a hand or learn something new whenever you’ve got space in your schedule.
Caregiver Support Community
This Facebook group was designed for everyday caregivers who are trying to make the most of their situation and receive friendly encouragement along the way — tired, overworked but dedicated friends and family members who are looking out for their loved ones. To join the group, you must be the primary caregiver of a loved one and must share your story to help stimulate conversation and connect to those in similar situations. Caregiver Support Community is open to caregivers of all ages, faiths, and belief systems, so it’s a great place to share your stories, ask questions and address concerns in a friendly, open environment.
The Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
The Caregiver Action Network is a national nonprofit open to caregivers of all types and offers countless ways to get involved. Whether you’re supporting a wounded veteran or caring for a dementia patient, this group offers valuable resources to gain information and encouragement. Have a specific caregiving question that requires an instant answer? Give the CAN help desk a ring or use online chat to receive a response from the dedicated support team. Browse Twitter and Facebook to connect with other caregivers, share your stories, post in the member forum, or browse the CAN caregiver resource list. The online Family Caregiver Toolbox provides dozens of helpful must-haves, from advice on supporting those with various illnesses to educational videos, financial and legal tools, a guide to local and national organizations, and a How-To for new caregivers.
Working Daughter
If you’re struggling to balance caregiving with your role as a part-time or full-time employee, this group may be the one to turn to. The Working Daughter website features an interactive online portal, a private Facebook support group, and a podcast. Each of these resources provides a unique way to reach out for help, offers suggestions and information, and provides an outlet to share your story and learn from others as they navigate their own challenges. Founder Liz O’Donnell helps women find the delicate balance between caregiving and personal life, and in addition to free resources, she helps members develop personalized plans to guide them through their caregiving journeys as part of an optional paid membership.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
If you’re caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias, you’ll face some unique challenges that not everyone will relate to. Thankfully, this nationwide nonprofit is there to help with a wide range of educational resources and support groups specifically for caregivers of those with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Foundation provides services free of charge, with a helpline available 24/7 for those who need it. If you have an important question or need support with a specific issue, licensed social workers are there to help.
Free weekly support groups are also available by phone, giving you the opportunity to connect with fellow caregivers and share your experiences while receiving professional guidance. Call the helpline to register.
The Bottom Line
Online support groups offer a welcome respite from the daily challenges of your caregiving duties. They’re a place to share experiences, express concerns, learn helpful tips, read up on the latest information and receive emotional comfort all in one place. Explore and observe some groups before you choose a favorite and avoid joining too many to prevent further burnout. Caring for a loved one is no easy task, and it’s important to take time for some daily self-care, because the better you take care of yourself, the better you can care for others.
