Caregiver Support Groups

Caregiving can be a very isolating experience and while family and friends may be supportive and well-meaning, they can't fully understand the impact of caregiving on one's life. In this post, Laurie Ray, of LifeLinks, answers questions about support groups.

Posted 10:00 a.m. Jul 2, 2018 — Updated 10:28 a.m. Jul 2, 2018

Liisa Ogburn

Caregiving can be a very isolating experience and while family and friends may be supportive and well-meaning, they can’t fully understand the impact of caregiving on one’s life. Recently, several of my clients have asked for support due to severe burnout. I reached out to Laurie Ray, MSW, CMSW, C-ASWCM, an Advanced Professional Aging Life Care Specialist, with LifeLinks to answer some common questions.

What is your background and how did you come to lead support groups for caregivers?

My extensive background in social work included a focus on group therapy. I have been facilitating support groups for 20 years, as well as working as an Advanced Aging Life Care Specialist (see this earlier post for more information on what Aging Life Care Specialists do).

Who attends caregiver support groups?

Support groups exist for a variety of reasons and meet the needs of different populations. Some concentrate on helping individuals cope with their specific disease, for example, early onset Alzheimers or MS, or Parkinson's disease. Others are designed to serve the spouse, siblings, children, and/or caregivers of the person with needs. Some groups are very established and people may continue to attend even after their loved one has passed away or circumstances have changed simply to provide support to their fellow group members. Long standing friendships may develop, which continue outside of the monthly meeting.

What if dad says he's not a "touchy feely" person?

In the past, support groups have often been seen as a more “touchy-feely” opportunity to talk about your feelings -- which is not for everyone. However, support groups have evolved. Many are also an excellent source of both support and education. They provide members a safe place to discuss their personal experience, and what has or has not worked for them. Members often learn from each other and feel some relief knowing they are not alone. It's important for people to understand that groups are private and confidential. Anything shared within the group is not to leave the room. If a question arises that neither I nor another group member can answer, I research the answer afterwards, then email the information out to the entire group.

What if someone is worried they will be expected to talk?

When somebody is new to a group, they may feel that they need to share their feelings or experiences and while they're more than welcome to do so, that is not necessary. Group members are welcome to just sit and listen and participate as they're comfortable. By attending, they are not making any type of commitment to attend monthly--especially as caregivers they may not be able to leave their loved one,

I can't leave my parent (or spouse) alone? Are there online ones?

This is often a challenge for caregivers. Adult Day Care centers (detailed in this previous blog post) are good options for their loved one to socialize in a safe setting while their caregiver takes a break. Hiring a caregiver to stay in the home is also an option, or finding a volunteer who can provide respite care during the group. I do believe that online groups may be available, especially for children whose parents may be living with difficult diagnosis

How do I find caregiver support groups in the Triangle region and is there a cost?

There should not be a cost to attend. Here are some great resources:

Dementia Alliance of North Carolina (formerly Alzheimer’s NC) keeps and extensive list of support groups, they also provide group facilitator training
The Alzheimer’s Association provides support groups
Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center
Transitions Life Care and other hospice organizations provide grief & loss groups

{{a href="external_link-4606612"}}Resources for Seniors provides an extensive list of available groups within the community. Some are disease focused or related to specific situations.
Physicians and hospitals will also provide information on specific groups within their areas of expertise

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