Support groups can be very helpful to caregivers - they can help you to realize you are not alone. You can share your issues and concerns with others in similar situations. Support groups are varied and face-to-face groups are not your only option.
More and more people are turning to on-line support groups. These are particularly helpful to people that cannot leave their loved one to attend a face-to-face group. Many disease specific organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer's Association have on-line support groups. Caregiving organizations such as the Family Caregiver Alliance and others offer this type of support. We suggest you do an online search for a support group to fit your needs. As you visit the websites listed throughout this toolkit see if a particular site has this on-line service.
Telephone support groups are another way for a caregiver to discuss their issues and concerns and to stay connected to professionals and other caregivers with similar situations. For instance, Senior Services of Albany provides a telephone support group. Contact them at 518.465.1398 or send email to Senior Services of Albany at telephone support group at: elderconnection@seniorservicesofalbany.com for more information.
Face-to-face support groups are available also through the local offices for the aging, other community-based organizations, and religious affiliations. Contact your local office for the aging and ask about support groups in your area.
