Support Groups Can Help
“My friends in the support group really understand how I feel.”
As a caregiver, you may need to find others who can offer emotional support, encouragement, and advice. Friends who haven’t been caregivers may not really understand how you feel and what you are experiencing. However, a support group may be just what you need.
When you belong to a support group, you might not feel as isolated and alone. Members of the group will listen as you talk about your concerns. They know what you are feeling because they have been in the same situation, or they are facing the same problems and concerns. Support group members encourage each other and share coping strategies. A group like this might just be the extra strength you need.
Members of support groups can help in other ways. They can provide information about local resources such as where to get medical equipment or where to find caregiving services. And, they can offer advice on how to get past barriers when dealing with local agencies.
To locate a caregiver support group in your area, contact the following places:
- U.S. Administration on Aging Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 (M–F, 9 AM–8 PM) or at www.eldercare.gov.
- The Illinois Department on Aging Senior Helpline at 1-800-252-8966 or www.state.il.us/aging. In the left column, click on “Illinois Family Caregiver Support.”
- The Area Agency on Aging serving your area or county. To locate the Illinois AAA serving you, go to www.state.il.us/aging. On the left column, click on “Illinois Area Agencies on Aging.” You can also get the phone number of your Area Agency by calling the IL Dept. on Aging Senior Helpline at 1-800-252-8966.
- Your local senior center.
