A caregiver support group can act as a positive outlet providing caregivers a regular time for social interaction outside of the home. The groups offer a safe place where any negative emotions about caregiving can be expressed and validated (like anger, frustration and grief), helping participants feel like they are NOT alone. Support groups also help caregivers maintain balance by doing something for themselves instead of always caring for their loved one.
Caregivers can gather ideas on how others deal with common challenges of caring for a loved one during each of the stages of dementia, and have the opportunity to help others who are new to caregiving by offering tips on what has and hasn’t worked well for them. In addition, many groups offer an educational component with expert advice on caregiving topics.
Support Groups
Do I need a Support Group?
- Do you need caregiving resources for your area?
- Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed?
- Are you depressed? Tired? Rundown?
- Would you like to have additional caregiving coping strategies?
- Would you like to have the support of other caregivers who “understand” caregiving?
- Do you want a support system?
- Have you ever wanted someone to be there for you?
- Would you like to acquire more education from other caregivers?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, we’d like to encourage you to attend one of the support groups in your community.
How Do I Find The Right One?
- Consider how often the group meets. Bi-monthly or monthly?
- What time of day is convenient for you? Daytime or evening?
- Is the location of the group easily accessible for you?
- Would you prefer Zoom or in-person?
- What kind of group is it? Caregivers, individuals with dementia, male only, etc.?
- Is the group for support or education, or a combination of both?
- What is the size of the group?
Finding a Support Group
We are committed to offering local support groups throughout the state of North Carolina so location is never a factor hindering a caregiver from attending a group session. If you are searching for a local support group, simply click here to access our current list. Contact information and schedules for groups in your area will pop up. And please contact us directly at (919) 832-3732 for more information or to speak to one of our CARE Navigators about additional resources for caregivers in North Carolina.
Support Group Facilitator Training
Support group facilitator trainings are held several times a year. This virtual training is intended for those who will facilitate a support group for caregivers of individuals living with dementia. During this interactive training, you will get an overview of support groups and their purpose, you will learn how to start a group (including learning about different types of groups), how to interact with different types of members AND you will receive a lot of resource material. All Dementia Alliance Trained Support Group Facilitators are eligible to join our private Facebook group, get ongoing support from DANC, and are invited to networking events to learn from other facilitators across the state.
Check out our events calendar for more information.