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Finding support from others who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference. You have to understand that support is not just limited to support groups. There are many places where caregivers can seek support locally or online — here are some of them.
How to Find a Caregiver Support Network?
Here are some options from where you can avail help. What option you should choose will entirely depend on your needs. These options will guide you in making the right decisions.
1. Ask for Help from Your Colleagues:
You can reach out to former co-workers, and your colleagues, they can give you advice or answer questions that you have. They know the strategies to overcome the demands of caregiving because they have been there too. Also, it’s a great way to establish support networks and find connections that can be helpful as you move along in this journey.
2. Join a caregiving group online or on mobile apps:
There are many caregiver support network groups, online and in person that can give you much needed guidance and advice. Some of these groups are specifically for caregivers of specific illnesses or conditions, while others are open to anyone who is caring for seniors.
Many of these caregiver support network groups offer a mobile app that allows you to participate from wherever you are, which may be helpful if you are caring for someone who is bedridden or unable to participate in online discussions.
Here are some information about support groups:
- The Canadian Virtual Hospice: If you are caring for someone with a serious or life-limiting illness, this support group is for you. It provides guidance on self-care, effective communication, and managing and identifying symptoms as diseases progress.
- Huddol: This is an online space, where you can talk to experts, share experiences, and meet caregivers like you. It is just like any other social media platform, run by a non-profit organization (the Canadian Caregiver Network)
- The Ontario Caregiver Organization: To support you in this journey, OCO provides counseling, peer support, and a library of online resources. Their SCALE program (Supporting Caregiver Awareness, Learning, and Empowerment) offers a mix of webinars, mental health support, and personalized one-on-one coaching. The main aim is to help caregivers embrace their demanding role more openly.
- Caregivers Alberta: This organization emphasizes the overall well-being of the caregivers rather than teaching them how to provide better care.
- Specific Illness Support Groups: There are support groups that teach caregivers to manage the challenges that come with diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and mobility issues.
You can also find a support group by contacting local health services. You can ask for suggestions from a doctor or hospital. Moreover, online directories like 211 can help you find relevant sources.
3. Use Apps to Manage Basic Tasks:
Sometimes, support is about how effectively you manage your tasks. There are apps that help caregivers organize their duties to provide standardized, high-quality care.
Apps like ecare21 allow you to observe and take records of vitals such as blood pressure, glucose oxygen saturation, etc. You can make things easier for you by using apps like Medisafe. This app will give you medication, refills, drug interaction reminders, and manage doses effectively.
Read more: 12 Time Management Hacks for Caregivers
4. Go on a “Care Walk”
If you don’t have any nearby family members or friends that you would like to visit in person, you could consider a “care walk” with a caregiver support network group. There are many online groups that organize care walks, as well as in-person groups that organize care walks.
You can join such care walks organized by The Petro Canada Carmakers Foundation. Their stride for caregivers is a 5km walk where you can meet other people caring for seniors like you or their loved ones. You can share your experiences, ask questions, and receive support from one another.
Final Words:
As a caregiver, you are always listening and you just want to be heard even for once.
When you find yourself in the role of caregiver, it can be difficult to know where to turn for support. While you may feel that you have no one to turn to, you just may be one person away from finding the caregiver support network you need to make it through this challenge. To find the support you need, just look beyond your immediate circle and reach out to those who may be able to provide help.
Want to Learn More?
Reach us at wecare@considracare.com, or call us at 1-855-410-7971, and we will be happy to assist. Discover more tips in our information booklets or on our resources page.
FAQ’s
Q. What are caregiver burnout support groups?
Just like any support group, caregiver burnout support groups focus on signs and triggers of burnout. They teach caregivers self-care and tips to create safe and healthy boundaries. Many organizations, like the Ontario Caregiver Organization, offer both in-person and online options, making it easy to find support that fits into your schedule.
Q. How do I choose the right support group as a professional caregiver?
Finding the right support group depends on what you need most. Are you looking for emotional support, specific caregiving skills, or guidance on handling certain conditions, like dementia? Look for groups that focus on the unique needs of professional caregivers. Virtual communities like Huddol can be a great fit, letting you connect with other caregivers and experts when it’s convenient for you.
Q. Can faith-based organizations offer caregiver support?
Yes, faith-based organizations like churches, synagogues, and community centers often provide meaningful support for caregivers. They offer counseling, volunteer help, and group activities that can be a source of comfort and connection. For those who appreciate a faith-centered approach, these groups offer both emotional and practical support in a familiar, welcoming community.
Q. Do healthcare providers offer resources for caregivers?
Many healthcare providers and hospitals offer resources specifically for caregivers, like support groups, workshops, and counseling. If you’re helping someone with ongoing health needs, consider reaching out to local healthcare providers—they often have programs designed to support caregivers and guide you through the caregiving journey.
Maryam is a leading writer at ConsidraCare, specializing in senior care. Her well-researched articles are widely recognized for guiding families through the complexities of caring for loved ones, establishing her as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field.
