Critter Corner: Virtual Caregiver Support Groups

Dear Magic,

I am a new caregiver for my mother who has Alzheimer’s. I would love to chat with some people who are going through the same thing as me. I am interested in finding a virtual support group. Since you’re in the know about tech stuff, can you recommend any good ones? I use Facebook a lot, so if there are any Facebook groups that would be great!

Faye Spue-Grupe
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Dear Faye,

When you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, a great way to reduce stress and not feel so alone is to join a caregiver support group.

On Facebook, there are many private groups dedicated to caregivers such as yourself. They’re completely free and allow you to get support, vent, or ask questions anytime – day or night. If you use a smartphone, you can participate anywhere!

Below are 11 caregiver support groups that are “Closed Groups,” which means they’re all private, and you can request to join if you’re interested, and unjoin if you’re not.

First, to sign up for a private group:

1. Sign in to your Facebook account. If you don’t already have an account, it’s easy to set one up. Here are tips on signing up.
2. Go to the Facebook group you’d like to join (links included below).
3. Click the “Join Group” button to send a request to the group administrators.
4. Wait to be admitted into the group – check the page later if you don’t get a message or notification.
5. Check the “Description” section of the group page to find out what it’s focused on. Some groups include special instructions to join or community guidelines in this section.

Facebook Groups for Caregivers

1. Memory People
   Memory People is an Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory impairment support and awareness group, consisting of patients, caregivers, advocates, family members and professionals.
2. Dementia Caregivers Support Group
   For caregivers of loved ones afflicted with dementia and Alzheimer’s, this group is designed to stimulate conversation and ensure all members a safe haven in posting personal feelings.
3. Alzheimers and Dementia Caregivers Support
   This is an Alzheimers and dementia caregivers support group designed so caregivers can support one another through trying times.
4. Caregivers Connect
   This is a community that brings a voice to family caregivers, and related care-industry professionals who are caring for a parent, spouse, or other loved one. Members share personal experiences, advice, and stories with one another in order to provide support along each of our journeys.
5. Caring for Elderly Parents
   As caregivers learn to cope, they share info, vent frustrations, and share support.
6. The Caregiver Space Community
   This is a supportive community of spousal caregivers.
7. Working Daughter
   This is a space for women who are balancing caring for an aging parent with their career and the rest of their life.
8. Sandwich Generation
   This is a group where sandwich generation caregivers can vent, and give ideas on how to handle taking care of senior parents and children.

Hop this is helpful!
Magic

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