If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia and have been asking yourself lately “What do I do now?” or “How can I do on?” you are by no means alone. You are a normal, caring person shouldering an enormous responsibility. But you can’t tackle this by yourself. Consider joining a support group. They really do help and here’s how:
- Give you the strength to go on.
When you are together with others who have experienced similar situations, you make each other stronger. You may enter the group feeling that no one really understands what you are going through. But once you sit down among other caregivers you realize that they do. That, in and of itself, is worth making the effort.
- Keep you up-to-date on research and treatment breakthroughs.
What progress is being made in Alzheimer’s and dementia care? What new techniques are being used? Has another caregiver discovered a better way to communicate? What are they doing? Sharing insight and tips will help you better care for your loved one, and for yourself.
- Provide a sounding board and some sound advice.
There are times when you want some objective input; and you want it from someone other than a family member. It may be advice on an upcoming event, a difficult decision to be made, or any number of things. Now you have a special group of people who have made some of the same difficult decisions. They will offer good advice, as well as support.
- Get you out of the house.
A commitment to join and attend a support group is a commitment to yourself. You will know that once each week, at a given time, you will get a badly needed break. And that’s worth its weight in gold.
- Shed a caring light on the road ahead; wherever it may lead.
As you travel on the path before you, no one can light the way as well as a fellow caregiver. Those who have “been there” can be comforting and reassuring. And, eventually, you may return the favor.
So, what to do now? Locate a support group near you. Anthem Memory Care provides monthly dementia support groups, staffed by trained memory care experts. For more information on a support group near you, contact us. We’re here to help.
