There are 34 million caregivers in the United States.
Of those 34 million, 35 percent say caregiver duties keep them from having time for themselves, 29 percent say they have trouble with physical and emotional stress, and 29 percent have difficulties with balancing their work and family life because of being caregivers. Knowing those statistics, it’s no wonder that there are caregiver support groups all over the country and many online, too.
There are a lot of benefits of joining a caregiver support group. Here are 4 of them.
#1: You Get Practical Advice
Caregiver support groups are filled with people in your same shoes. Some of them may have been caregivers for years. As a result, they know lots of interesting ways to address common challenges. For example, if you’re stressing with helping an older adult with mobility problems to dress, another caregiver may be able to recommend a tool or method that will help.
#2: A Place to Be Yourself
At a caregiver support group, you can express everything you’re feeling—the good, the bad, and the ugly. You may not feel like you can do that with friends and family, so perhaps you fake a smile and say “fine” when people ask how you are doing. At a support group, you can tell people about your frustrations, sadness, and other emotions without feeling like a burden to them. Listening to others and sharing their own feelings is what members of the group are there for.
#3: A New Group of Friends
When you share such deep, personal feelings and stories with other people, you’re bound to grow close to at least some of them. You may find yourself talking and getting together outside of the group meetings. That can be a great way to distract yourself from the difficulties of being a caregiver and make your life a little happier.
#4: More People to Call on for a Favor
When you get to know the people in your caregiver support group on a personal level, you may begin to feel comfortable asking them for help now and then. Perhaps you need something from the store, but you cannot leave your aging relative. A member of your support group who lives close by might be able to run to the store for you. They might even be willing to sit with your older family member for a short time while you take care of tasks. Just be sure you’re willing and able to return the favor when needed.
For more information about hiring Home Care Services in Coronado, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
Dailycaring.com
Health.usnews.com
Agis.com
Cdc.gov
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