You might not have thought that joining a caregiver support group is all that important, but some of the things that a group can do for you are unique. Being a caregiver sometimes means that you’re a bit isolated and meeting with other caregivers helps you to cut through that feeling.
You Build a Community of Your Own
Your own community as a caregiver is a powerful thing. It offers you support and strength that you need. Your community might already consist of friends and family members, but they don’t always understand the intricacies of caregiving. Elder care providers are also a huge part of your community because they offer you the experience you might lack. Joining a support group gives you peers who are in exactly the spot you’re in.
Your Feelings Need Validating
If you’ve ever felt as if the people around you really aren’t hearing what you’re saying when you share what you’re going through as a caregiver, you have felt the need for validation. Other caregivers can listen to your experiences and nod along because they know exactly what you’re saying. It’s powerful to feel heard and understood. And when you become close with the other people in your support group, you’re able to validate each other even more.
Sharing Your Concerns Helps
When you share what you’re worried about, it can help you to reduce or even to eliminate those worries. You may also find that some of the things you’ve been worried about aren’t really that big of a deal. Advice and practical hands-on experience from other caregivers can save you a lot of time and energy that you might have put toward something that isn’t that important.
You Learn to Be an Advocate
Being a caregiver often means that you’re an advocate for your senior. But what does that really mean? How can you stand up for her when she’s in the hospital or facing a medical emergency? Caregiver support groups can help you to learn how to do all of these things while making life better for your aging adult. You may also learn more about national advocacy and decide to get involved on a bigger level.
If you’re still on the fence about joining a caregiver support group, at least consider giving it a try. You might find that it’s far more beneficial than you anticipated that it would be. You may also find that it gives you a chance to share what you have learned with other people who can benefit from your experience.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in St. Pete Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
