Emotional support is often welcomed due to the stress and complex nature of caregiving. Talking to other caregivers and professionals can provide comfort and help generate new skills as you learn from and support each other.
The ways in which caregivers are able to connect with each other and with professionals have evolved to better meet their needs and preferences. Peer and professional support can be provided through various means such as:
Support Groups
- Alzheimer’s Support Groups
The Alzheimer’s Association offers in-person support groups for caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer’s and others dealing with the disease. All support groups are facilitated by trained individuals. Many locations offer specialized groups for children, individuals with younger-onset and early-stage Alzheimer’s, adult caregivers and others with specific needs. Visit their website to find a local support group.
- Brain Injury Support Groups
Brain Injury Alliance of CT (BIAC) sponsors support groups giving individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers the opportunity to connect and share their stories. In addition, Project Genesis began hosting a Family & Caregiver Brain Injury Support Group that focuses specifically on the needs of family members and caregivers of an individual with a brain injury. While most groups are open and welcome to all individuals with brain injuries who wish to attend, several of BIAC’s support groups focus on individuals with a commonality. To find out more about BIAC’s support groups, email the Education & Outreach Manager, at rcarfi@biact.org or call 860-219-0291 x306.
Learn More
Visit 2-1-1 to find in-person support groups near you.
Message Boards / Online Communities
Increasingly, online communities are available to help caregivers connect with each other. There are many different types of groups ranging from those that are comprised of and facilitated by the person with a disability or illness and those for caregivers.
- Caregiver-online
Sponsored by the Family Caregiver Alliance, this is a group for families, partners and other caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s, stroke, brain injury and other chronic debilitating health conditions. The group offers a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of providing care for a loved one.
- ALZConnected®
This is a free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia, including: caregivers, people with the disease, family members, friends and individuals who have lost someone to Alzheimer’s.
Note that this list of online communities is not an exhaustive list. Perform an internet search if you don’t find one that suits your particular needs.
Caregiver Centers
The Goldstone Caregiver Center at Danbury Hospital is available to those who are the primary source of providing care for a family member or friend. It offers services, programs and amenities to address the holistic health of the caregiver. Go here to learn more about the Goldstone Center.