According to The State of Caregiving Survey by A Place for Mom, over 48 million caregivers provide unpaid care for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory disorders. This generally adds 24-32 hours of work to one’s regular week, which can be overwhelming for caregivers. So, attending caregiver support groups can help prioritize self-care, share insights, learn from people’s experiences, and offer words of encouragement to other caregivers in similar situations.

Benefits of memory care support groups
Dementia or Alzheimer’s memory care support groups are organized meetings of people who have a personal connection to these conditions. Participants could be individuals living with the conditions, their caregivers, or other concerned friends or family members. These gatherings can be held online, in person, or a combination of both . The goal is to provide a safe space for others to share their experiences with dementia and offer practical advice on coping with life changes.

Emotional support
Living with and caring for dementia can be rather emotionally challenging. At memory care support groups, one can find a safe environment to relay their struggles and frustrations and have their feelings validated. The process can be extremely comforting, helping people find emotional release and hope for the future.

Enhanced awareness
Many support groups host special sessions by educators or other industry professionals who can provide valuable information on Alzheimer’s and dementia. This may cover facets such as caregiving techniques, legal matters, community resources, etc., which can be helpful.

Coping strategies
The main aim of a support group is for people to exchange information on their day-to-day management strategies as well as coping mechanisms, allowing them to learn and grow together.

Reduced isolation
Having to spend extra hours in caregiving can be very socially isolating for some people. In a support group setting, one gets the opportunity to meet others dealing with and talking about similar struggles, which can help reduce feelings of isolation or distancing.

Empowerment
Discussing one’s experiences can be very empowering. It helps build strength and resilience and develop empathy, allowing people to play a more active role as caregivers.

Prevent caregiver burnout
Caring for seni ors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be a 24/7 commitment, causing a ton of stress along the way. Over time, this has a massive impact on one’s physical and mental health and could become the reason for burnout. Taking some time out to attend a support group meeting can provide a much-needed break from everyday responsibilities. It allows one to take a moment to relax and rejuvenate, which helps one become a more efficient caregiver.

Finding a memory care support group
Information regarding memory care support groups for seniors or caregivers can be found in many ways. Most commonly, people speak to their doctor or a local psychologist or therapist to get some clarity. One can also turn to their local Alzheimer’s Association chapter, Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), or contact the National Institute on Aging or the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Alternatively, one can also perform a browser search to look for online or in-person support groups they can join. Online groups afford one the comfort of joining from any location and participating in larger community forums and discussions to find support throughout the day.

Popular online memory care support groups 

• Memory People
  This online community was built by Rick Phelps, an Alzheimer’s patient. Here, patients and caregivers with memory-related disorders join to share their experiences with the condition and offer support and understanding to others.
• Dementia Caregivers Support Group
  This is another group that was set up to “stimulate a conversation and ensure all members a safe haven in posting personal feelings.” Essentially, it provides a space for all its members to talk about and share their personal experiences and seek advice from others.
• The Purple Sherpa Basecamp (Dementia Family Caregiver Support Group)
  Often, people experience shame, guilt, or dreadful silence when associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. To break this silence, The Purple Sherpa Basecamp was created by the daughter of an Alzheimer’s patient. The primary objective of this group is to provide support and emotional companionship to other caregivers.
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Chat Group
  This is a great support group option for friends and family members looking for honest advice and discussions with a touch of humor . It is not particularly aimed towards being an information-only space, so it is best to proceed accordingly.
• Dementia Caregivers Support Group
  The daughter-in-law and primary caregiver of a dementia patient created this group . With over 43,000 members, discussions in this group revolve around positive caregiving suggestions, effective tips on de-stressing, and the latest discoveries and developments in treatment and care.
• Caring for Spouse with Dementia
  The act of caregiving can vary widely. When it comes to supporting a partner with Alzheimer’s or dementia, spouses need to recognize that different situations may call for different coping strategies. This specialized form of support can be found via this group.
• Caring for Elderly Parents
  Watching parents age can be extremely difficult, and many individuals may require assistance to cope with this reality. Groups like Caring for Elderly Parents offer members a safe space to ask questions, vent, feel heard, and seek help.