The Very Best In Home Health Care Company In Whiting And Manchester New Jersey Talks About The Need for Caregiver Support Groups

The Very Best In Home Health Care Company In Whiting And Manchester New Jersey Talks About The Need for Caregiver Support Groups

By peter porchia. Published 2011-11-01 18:23:45

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Caregiver support groups have proven to be a tremendous resource for family caregivers. Nevertheless, getting caregivers to take the first step to participate in a support group meeting is often challenging.

Barriers that may keep caregivers from joining a group include fearing the unknown, feeling uncomfortable about sharing thoughts with strangers, believing that group meetings focus on sad stories that they do not want to hear, and thinking that there is just not enough time in the day for another commitment.

Knowing what to expect may help to calm fears of the unknown. In my experience with caregiver support groups, group members who have been attending for many months, even years, readily welcome newcomers. A support group by nature offers a safe, confidential place for individuals to openly share their thoughts and concerns. A compassionate facilitator is typically present to provide leadership by offering guidance and keeping the discussion on topic to meet the needs of all participants.

Once the caregiver passes that first hurdle of getting to the meeting, the next step is becoming comfortable with sharing thoughts at the meeting. For some, it may be easier to simply observe and share only brief thoughts during their initial group meeting. For others, the mere welcoming atmosphere and encouragement of others allows them to open up more than they ever thought they would.

While scheduling yet another activity in an already tiring day may seem daunting, going to a support group meeting can be the best gift the caregiver gives himself. Once caregivers start going on a regular basis, they cannot imagine missing a meeting. In fact, many look forward to the date each month, and some even join more than one group in their community.

The Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center holds support group meetings for family caregivers at various locations throughout Lee County. The center also holds a group meeting once a month specifically for adult children who are caring for or assisting aging parents as well as a special group meeting for families who have placed their loved one in a nursing home or assisted-living facility.

For additional information contact Maria Porcia Rn Ceo Of Senior Helpers Of Ocean And burlington counties New Jersey at 732-657-3600 0r 609-261-2995 or Visit us on the web at www.seniorhelpersnj.com