{"id":10054,"date":"2018-01-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-01-17T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.philips.com\/resources\/blog\/2014\/01\/when-caring-takes-its-toll-finding-caregiver-support.html"},"modified":"2023-04-05T10:48:42","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T15:48:42","slug":"when-caring-takes-its-toll-finding-caregiver-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.com\/blog\/when-caring-takes-its-toll-finding-caregiver-support\/","title":{"rendered":"When Caring Takes its Toll: Finding Caregiver Support"},"content":{"rendered":"

An estimated 34 million Americans are involved in providing care to an older family member or friend. Caretaking duties can range from periodic monitoring to providing every aspect of basic living needs such as feeding, dressing, and bathing. While caregivers often find joy and satisfaction in caring for a loved one, the responsibilities of caring for a senior can also take their toll. Finding caregiver support is one way to alleviate the stress and frustration that can come with caregiving. Connecting with other caregivers can provide the aid, friendship, and comfort that caregivers need to cope.<\/p>\n

What Type of Caregiver Support Can Help Caretakers?<\/h2>\n

Studies show<\/a>\u00a0that caregivers frequently report extreme emotional distress related to their caretaking duties. The stress can stem from the additional time and expense of caring for a senior as well as the impact caregiving has on work, families, and personal relationships. Often,\u00a0caregivers also feel guilt\u00a0and anger from the added pressure and responsibilities of caring for a senior.<\/p>\n

Finding other caregivers to share experiences with can help you realize you\u2019re not alone. Connecting with other caregivers also enables you to share ideas, feelings, and suggestions of how to manage the stresses of caretaking. Such support systems can act as a form of therapy for caretakers as well as a much-needed sounding board. Caregiver support options include:<\/p>\n

Online support groups<\/h4>\n

There are many types of online discussion groups and boards for caregivers. These online boards allow caretakers to post questions, submit answers, and share experiences with other caregivers. The Family Caregiver Alliance of the National Center on Caregiving provides a\u00a0list of online groups for caregivers, as does the\u00a0AARP<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Local caregiver support groups<\/h4>\n

Physical support groups offer caretakers the opportunity to meet other caregivers in person, plan outings, and provide more intimate assistance and support. The Alzheimer\u2019s Association provides a\u00a0map of resources<\/a>\u00a0where caregivers can find local support groups. The US Department of Veteran Affairs also has a caregiver\u00a0support group locator<\/a>\u00a0by state.<\/p>\n

Telephone hotlines:<\/h4>\n

Helpful support by phone can give caregivers instant advice, guidance, and comfort when they need it most. Some helpful phone numbers are:<\/p>\n