Hailey Loeffelholz, MSW
Dementia Care Specialist, Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwest Wisconsin
Throughout our lives, we may find ourselves wearing many different hats –parent, spouse, sibling, child, coach, employee, student, church member – the list can go on. During this time, you may also find yourself scheduling, transporting, and advocating during a loved one’s doctor’s appointments, assisting with medication management, grocery shopping and preparing meals, and even assisting with dressing, bathing, and other personal cares. Some of these things may seem like you are just doing what simply needs to be done or honoring your wedding vows or family commitments, but these are associated with the makings of an additional hat – a caregiver.
Being a caregiver comes with a unique set of challenges, frustrations, and supportive needs. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Facts and Figures Report from 2023, over half of individuals caring for a loved one with dementia reported high to very high levels of emotional stress, while about one-third reported high to very high levels of physical stress as a result of their caregiving. While this statistic is specific to dementia, these types of stress levels are not specific to a disease or physical limitation.
It is important caregivers have a healthy and safe outlet to help relieve some of the unique stressors experienced during caregiving. Caregiver support groups are often one avenue to turn down to help navigate through the caregiving journey. There are several benefits of attending a support group.
- Be with others sharing similar experiences. Because caregiving may often feel isolating, support groups offer the chance to increase social connections and socialize with others. Social connections are essential for caregiver well-being. The health impacts of social isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Gaining support and validation through support groups gives the opportunity to increase social connections and decrease some of the levels of emotional stress.
- Gain emotional support and validation. While caregiving may be a rewarding experience at times, there are unique emotional and physical stressors association with being a caregiver. It may often feel as though you are alone in what you are going through, but listening and conversating with others in similar positions may provide some validation. Support groups not only offer a safe space to voice frustrations, challenges, and stressors, but also provides the space to listen to others who may be facing similar obstacles.
- Learn and gain perspective. Often times, caregivers attending support groups are at a different point in their caregiving journey. For example, a person who has been in the caregiving role for five years may be able to offer tips and strategies for navigating through the first year of being a caregiver.
- Have a source for additional resources and information. Not only is there the opportunity to learn from other caregivers in the group, facilitators are often well-versed in the caregiving realm. They may be able to offer additional education, connections to resources, and further support for caregivers.
To offer an opportunity to participate in a support groups, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwest Wisconsin offers many support groups in different locations, an entire list can be found here. If you are interested in learning more or would like to attend, please contact your local ADRC office.
“There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving is universal”. -Rosalynn Carter
