Some days, being a caregiver can leave you feeling sad, frustrated, or even angry. Those are pretty normal feelings. After all, very few (if any) people hope to one day find themselves spending hours caring for an older adult for no pay while also juggling their own career, family, and friends. When you’re feeling that way, it can be hard to know where to turn. You might want to talk to someone about how you’re feeling but be unwilling to burden your family members or friends with your troubles. If that’s the case, you may want to consider joining a caregiver support group. There are lots of different kinds of caregiver support groups. You can find online groups or in-person groups. You can also find support groups that focus on being a caregiver for a particular condition or that are for certain demographics, such as spouses or adult children who are caregivers. No matter the kind, caregiver support groups offer some important benefits. Here are just 4 ways joining a caregiver support group could help you.

A Place to Vent.

Sometimes what you really need is to tell someone how you’re feeling—all of it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Expressing those feelings in front of people who have no idea what it’s like to be a caregiver could leave you feeling embarrassed or judged. A support group is filled with fellow caregivers, so they know that it’s a job that brings on lots of different emotions. It’s a safe place to let it all out.

Learn Caregiving Tips.

Members of support groups often find themselves swapping tips for making certain tasks easier. You may learn something you didn’t know before that makes a world of difference. As an added benefit, you might also share a tip that helps someone else, leaving you feeling pretty good about yourself. Instant self-esteem booster!

Fresh Perspective.

Attending a support group meeting can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever challenges come next. You may return to your duties with a fresh perspective about what you’re doing and why it is important.

Sense of Community.

Sometimes caregivers feel utterly alone in what they are doing. They may spend so much time with the person they are caring for that they rarely spend time with anyone else. It can leave them feeling isolated. Attending a meeting is a great reminder that you are far from alone in being a caregiver. You may even come away from it with new friends.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregiver services in Duluth, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources

https://dailycaring.com/8-benefits-of-caregiver-support-groups/

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2017/support-groups.html

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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