Written by Ellen Boucher, BSW
So many care partners share how alone they feel during this life experience of caring for someone living with cognitive impairment. Friends and family may no longer interact with a care partner as they have in the past. Care partners share that they have had friends and family members totally step away from relationships or may just be in touch to give “guidance” about a situation they have no practical experience with. Even people who simply want to share their advice trying to be helpful can contribute to a care partner feeling alone. This is because caring for someone who is living with cognitive impairment is an ever-changing experience and can cover a wide variety of uncomfortable situations that are not easily discussed. How can a care partner find someone they can relate to who can talk about everything from practical matters to changing emotions with understanding? By attending Alzheimer’s San Diego support groups!
What is a support group?
It is an opportunity for care partners to meet with one another to share feelings, situations, concerns – anything that one feels cannot be discussed nor understood by people who are not caregivers/have not been a caregiver. Being able to share one’s thoughts and feelings and be validated by others who are also living a similar life experience can create a feeling of connection that is so necessary for everyone. Support groups are a safe place to be heard and to hear others, to discuss how others handle situations and decisions to be made, as well as to both receive and provide support.
Over the next few weeks, you will learn about the different types of groups, attendees, and facilitators. You will find there is a wide variety of group options, meetings days and times, as well as different facilitators. Each group has its own dynamic and often people attend more than one group because they receive different things from separate groups. It is valuable to attend various groups to find a good fit for you in one or more groups. You can participate online via Zoom, call in on the phone, or attend an in-person meeting at various locations around San Diego County. Regardless of how you attend a meeting or how many meetings you choose to participate in, this is a valuable asset to add to your care partner toolbox!
To discuss support group options please call our office at 858.492.4400 to speak with one of our Clinical Care Coaches or view our list of support groups here.
RECOMMENDED: Thoughts From Support Group Facilitators ✍️
