9 Caregiver Support Groups that Help Caregivers in Need
CaringBridge Staff | 12.12.22
Taking on the role of a caregiver for a loved one or a friend is a huge responsibility – it can be a massively rewarding, positive experience. However, many find that without proper support, either from loved ones or caregiver support groups, it can feel lonely and isolating.
There are multiple types of support groups available – both online or in-person. We turned to CaringBridge users to share the caregiver support groups that they’ve found to be helpful.
How Do You Choose a Caregiver Support Group?
A support group, either online or in-person, is a place in which caregivers can share expertise, concerns or experiences in a safe, supportive environment.
Types of online caregiver support groups
Online support groups for caregivers offer many benefits, including the ability to access them wherever you are.
A popular platform to find online support groups is through Facebook. Because so many people are on Facebook, there are plenty of opportunities to create and join caregiver support groups.
You can choose a caregiver support group based on the person you are caring for – like a family member, spouse, parent or friend – or based on the illness or condition in which the person you are caring for has.
Types of in-person caregiver support groups
If you prefer attending an in-person support group, there are many options available to you as well. Some caregivers turn to a community group, like a faith community or friend group. Attending regional or local caregiver support groups is also an excellent option to connect with individuals in similar situations.
Related Reading: 10 Soul Healing Tips to Prevent Caregiver Burnout
Online Caregiver Support Groups
Just like in-person support groups, there are many types of online support groups that you have access to. Here are a few of our favorite options from CaringBridge users and thought leaders in the caring network:
1. Memory People
Founded in 2010 for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and memory impairment support, Memory People’s base goal is to provide support, education and awareness for caregivers.
It is open to those with a condition that causes memory impairment and their caregivers. Memory People keeps its community up-to-date with the latest education opportunities for caregivers and events in which members can meet each other to share support in person.
2. Caring For Elderly Parents
Caring for aging parents can be a stressful, yet rewarding task. You’re able to care for those who supported you for most of your life, but it can be a frustrating time in your life, too.
Caring for Elderly Parents is a caregiver support group on Facebook that provides a space to vent frustrations, share information or offer supportive advice for those that are struggling with their new responsibilities.
3. Working Daughter
Becoming a caregiver is a large task in itself, but can become even more daunting if you are balancing a career as well.
Working Daughter is a community for women that are juggling a career, becoming a caregiver and the rest of their lives all-in-one. Women are encouraged to join for a supportive community full of encouragement, as well as a safe place to ask questions or give advice to others.
4. Caregivers Connect
The aim of this caregiver support group is to give a voice to those that are a caregiver, know one or are an industry professional. No matter whether you’re caring for a spouse, family member or other loved one, Caregivers Connect provides a space to inspire, advise and educate caregivers.
In this support group, members often post inspiration, helpful resources and even share their own stories as a way to build their supportive community.
5. CaringBridge
The goal of CaringBridge is to provide a connection for those at any stage during their health journey. Your loved ones can post health updates and communicate support through the CaringBridge Planner to develop an online community with those in similar situations. Start a free site today.
Don’t go through your health journey alone.
You can stay connected to friends and family, plan and coordinate meals, and experience love from any distance.
All of this is ready for you when you start your personal CaringBridge site, which is completely free of charge, ad-free, private and secure. Don’t spend another minute alone!
“Loved emails from CaringBridge with updated posts on my loved one.”
Bonnie B.
“CaringBridge was a blessing.”
Jean W.
“CaringBridge is a wonderful place to share how people are doing.”
Carleen C.W.D.
In-person Caregiver Support Groups
If you prefer an in-person caregiver support group, there are many resources available to you to aid in your search for a support group that best suits your needs.
6. Faith-Based Support Communities
If you belong to a church or local faith community, many caregivers report finding massive amounts of support in communities like these.
7. Mental Health America
Taking on the responsibility of becoming a caregiver for a loved one is not a simple task. Mental Health America provides a listening ear and offers you the support you need.
They provide support and assistance for you, and also your loved one if they are in need of mental health caregiver support, too.
Related Reading: Caring for the Caregiver: 25 Ways to Care for Yourself
8. Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator support database is run by the United States Administration on Aging. This platform connects you with resources that you may need. They provide a directory of support on topics like nutritional guides to legal assistance.
You can search for support on their website, or call their toll-free phone number if you are in need of assistance.
9. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center
Here you can find resources that are the closest in proximity to you, staffed by trained professionals that can offer you information or support. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center also provides separate support groups for those in early or late stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Support Is There For You When You Need It
Whether you are in need of a support group for caregivers or know someone who is, there are a variety of caregiver support groups out there. Finding a supportive community either in-person or online can be a massive weight off of your shoulders, and it can ease your experience with the stress of caring for a loved one.
Are you a member of a support group that you found to be helpful? We would love for you to share your insight with us and the rest of the CaringBridge community in the comment section below!
I am caring for my 66 year old sister who suffers from stage 4 vulvar cancer, and also severe paranoia. It is very hard caring for someone this sick who also does not trust anyone (now apparently even me). I could use some help and advice. I honestly don’t know where to turn.
What is the best caregivers group for Parkinsons caregivers?
What is the best caregivers group for Parkinsons caregivers?
Do you have a support group person to person in fontana ca or rialto ca or redlands ca for Parkinson’s Disease. I really need to stay as close to my husband as possible. Thank you for listening. Mrs. Tina McDermott. Dated the 26th of October 2022
Just recently became a caregiver in the last 30 days. Not sure about anything. I’m looking for a support group to help all the way around.
Thank you in advance.
I am looking for an online and in-person support group for adults with parents with advancing dementia. My mom lives in a senior facility so I’m not providing daily care but do bring her things she needs and provide support in person and by phone. It is stressful and heartbreaking and it would be great to find a supportive community to help.
Is there a support group for caregivers who are being abused?
Hi. Caring for my invalid mother. Stressful . Need to find support group, New Orleans area. Thanks.
Now in advanced age, I have been a caregiver of one kind or another for family members since I was in my 20s. I am now the caretaker for a husband with Parkinson’s and have recently been diagnosed with a serious heart issue. I am in this alone without nearby friends or any caring offspring. Through family attrition and overwhelming demands of an old large property, we have chaotic disorganization and an abundance of stuff. We also have an investment twindominium that I am responsible for. I do people work 2 days per week which gets me out among clients. Other than that, my social life evaporated many years ago. I could use a support group. Nothing is available locally. A faith based group would not be a good fit.
I’m looking for an in person or online support group for myself who is a caregiver of a family member.
I’m caring for my elderly dad. He’s a great guy. He has some health issues. Lately I see his memory is getting worse. I am trying to have someone come in, he adamantly says, he’d rather die. I am trying so hard. I don’t have any real family support. Is there a support group near Rockland MA?
Caring for elderly parents website . I’m having extremely difficult time creating a account. It freezing on submit. This is the group for me . Please help me
I am a 73-year-0ld woman who is just getting exhausted trying to keep up with our 2,700 ft home on one and one-half acres which we have owned for 11 years. Love it here and not ready to move yet….I think. However these past 5 1/2 years with my husband’s health have been hell. In 2017 he had bladder cancer and surgery and came through that well with immunotheraphy. Then in 2019 he had an episode while we were in Vegas where he passed out and paremedics had to be called. He got through that but tests revealed he had calcifications around the valves to his heart. He had heart surgery and had a pacemaker installed and all was fine for a year. But then the following June, a year after his first heart surgery he ended up with a fungal infection in his blood and had to have another surgery in june almost to the day of his last surgery. This time he had to have a complete aortal trunk replacement and a new pacemaker moved to the other side of his chest. Plus, he ended up losing his left leg above the knee. Due to numerous problems resulting from all this, these past two years he has been to all types of doctors. I am his transportation because even though he has an artificial leg, he cannot get out of the car to his walker by himself. As a result, my life has been completely upturned and I just need someone to connect with who may be in my similar situation. I was a faithful yoga and aerorbic exercise person before this but now cannot find not a bit of time for myself between his appointments and the things for the house. When we do go out together he treats me badly because he is uncomfortable and by getting on me for minor things, I guess he is trying to buck himself up out in public. We have been married going on 55 years, but i think i am at the end of my rope. Need some people in a similar situations to just spill to. Thanks.
My name is Arnetta cooper I took of my Mother until she died in December
I am going to be taking care of my brother
He had a massive stroke and he is bed bound.
I want be part of the caregiver support group
I posted a site last week for my husband – I seem to be the only one seeing it can you help?
My husband a stroke in July of 2021. And ever since then I have taken care of him. Since then I can’t leave him for a long time without anyone look on on him. I finally have cameras in our house, so I can see him.
Also I ‘m in my recovery,since I fell down our basement steps and smashed my back. I don’t sleep at nights or eat much either. I try to do the best I can.
But my husband during the day gets mouthy at me and he doesn’t remember what it said. Most of the time I don’t have any one to talk to, and don’t go anywhere unless taking him to appointments and therapy. I feel like none cares about what I am going through lately.
Our nonprofit – Courage to Caregivers – supports mental illness caregivers. We’re in the caregiver burnout prevention business! Our support groups are all virtual and meet on M-T-W nights at 7 pm ET. Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for support! https://www.couragetocaregivers.org/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/875626959714922/?ref=share_group_link. I am a member of Support for Caregivers and would love for any to join our group just copy link above we would love to have you😊
Feeling low today mother is hallucinating more imagined other people are in the room or else the rooms are being changed around she is blind which doesn’t help I either scare her when I reach out or she thinks I am someone else harder to get her to leave the house
I am 48 years old and on disability for severe depression and anxiety. Family members abandoned my folks. So I take care of them. I don’t drive, but get a light taxi to take mom and dad to the doctor. I take care of their bills and mine. I moved home to care for them. We are low income, and house is in need of lots of repair. Even our local Christmas in Action has blown us off. I can’t find anyone to mow for us. I have to order groceries online, and never get out I gave up going back to church. I can’t leave them for long, if I have to go to own doctor appointments. I am constantly tired, but noone in my town seems to care. All my friends have moved away. I have no life anymore. My parents are my life. This house is messy, but to tired to clean it with own health issues. I always have to be in the taxi with them, because they don’t have cell phones, and would not learn to use them. Mom has severe anxiety and dad has dementia. Mom takes medication, I take medication and dad does. Mom hides it in his food, otherwise he would not take it. I live in Midland, Texas. We are in social security, and I take care all bills. We live in the country, and can’t move. Does anyone care, no. I am suppose to take care of the house, me and then, too. Everyone has excuses for not helping. I gave up my apartment and social life. I spend my time in my bedroom and that’s it.
This is all so new and extremely hard for our mom who is battling cancer and hard for me and my sister. We both are doing the best we can but some days we just don’t know what to do. We need help )s