{"id":243212,"date":"2026-04-02T12:30:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T16:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/how-support-groups-can-help-caregivers\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T12:23:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T16:23:48","slug":"how-support-groups-can-help-caregivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/how-support-groups-can-help-caregivers\/","title":{"rendered":"How Support Groups Can Benefit Family Caregivers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are you a family caregiver?\u00a0More and more\u00a0people are taking on\u00a0this role,\u00a0typically for a spouse or an aging parent.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caregivingintheus.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Newer research on caregiving<\/span><\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in the United States shows just how prevalent this situation is. A 2025 study revealed that 59 million people in the United States provide ongoing, complex care to a family member. And 29% also have a family of their own, so their time is spent sandwiched between two generations of loved ones.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While caregiving can be deeply meaningful and rewarding, many people report struggling to find time to care for themselves. They often don\u2019t know or fail to recognize the<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/the-top-symptoms-of-caregiver-burnout\/\">signs of caregiver burnout<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">.<\/span>\u00a0Over time, this imbalance can take a serious toll on both\u00a0their\u00a0physical health and emotional well-being.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is where caregiver support groups can make a\u00a0meaningful\u00a0difference.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why Caregiver Support Matters<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the most important benefits of caregiver support groups is <a href=\"https:\/\/meaningandhope.org\/the-gift-of-validation-as-a-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">emotional validation<\/span><\/a>. Connecting with others who face similar challenges helps caregivers realize that their feelings, whether frustration, guilt or feeling overwhelmed, are normal and common. Caregiver support groups create a safe space where individuals can share their experiences openly, without fear of judgment, because everyone can relate on a personal level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Perhaps most\u00a0importantly, they remind caregivers that they are not alone. Through shared stories and mutual encouragement, caregivers often form meaningful friendships and a sense of camaraderie with others walking a similar path.\u00a0This sense of understanding\u00a0and\u00a0belonging\u00a0can\u00a0significantly reduce stress and anxiety.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Support groups also\u00a0provide\u00a0practical guidance. Caregivers can learn coping strategies\u00a0and\u00a0problem-solving\u00a0techniques, and\u00a0find out about\u00a0helpful resources from others who have firsthand experience. These\u00a0collective\u00a0insights\u00a0can\u00a0make daily caregiving tasks more manageable.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How Can You\u00a0Find and Join\u00a0a Caregiver Support Group?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first step is\u00a0to\u00a0find a caregiver support group that fits your needs and schedule. Many\u00a0community centers and senior living\u00a0communities offer in-person meetings on a weekly or monthly basis. Some even\u00a0have volunteers\u00a0on-site\u00a0to\u00a0offer assistance to\u00a0seniors,\u00a0so caregivers can attend without worry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For those\u00a0who have\u00a0limited time or\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0leave their loved one alone\u00a0to attend a gathering,\u00a0online caregiver support groups\u00a0are another excellent\u00a0option.\u00a0These virtual groups allow caregivers to\u00a0participate\u00a0from the comfort of home while still gaining the same sense of connection,\u00a0validation\u00a0and guidance found in in-person meetings.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A\u00a0few online caregiver support groups\u00a0to\u00a0explore\u00a0are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/alzconnected.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ALZConnected<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">:\u00a0<\/span>This caregiver forum was created by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association. It\u00a0gives\u00a0people caring for a loved one with\u00a0dementia access to information and\u00a0tools, as well as a place to connect.\u00a0There are\u00a0message boards and chat rooms dedicated to specific topics related to Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other forms of dementia, such as difficult behaviors and caregiver burnout.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.caregiver.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Caregiver Alliance<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">:<\/span> This organization\u00a0hosts information and forums for\u00a0caregivers\u00a0who are\u00a0assisting\u00a0family members with all\u00a0different types\u00a0of conditions and diseases. Through this website,\u00a0visitors can\u00a0connect with\u00a0peers looking for support\u00a0in\u00a0everything from\u00a0managing\u00a0a loved one\u2019s\u00a0cancer\u00a0diagnosis\u00a0to struggling\u00a0with an ill spouse.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.caregiving.com\/community\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caregiving.com<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">:\u00a0<\/span>This site\u00a0has targeted\u00a0forums for\u00a0caregivers in various roles, such as caring for an\u00a0aging parent,\u00a0a\u00a0child\u00a0or a\u00a0spouse.\u00a0These\u00a0forums\u00a0offer\u00a0resources\u00a0and advice from peers\u00a0on topics of interest,\u00a0ranging\u00a0from where to buy adult briefs at the best price to\u00a0preparing an adult with memory loss for a transition to assisted living.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/visitcaregiverway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VisitCaregiverWay.com<\/a>: <span style=\"color: #000000;\">This site draws on contributions from care experts in multiple fields to provide trusted information and guidance to caregivers. Caregiver Way features informational content and a social platform to connect with other caregivers in five categories: Self Care, Caring for Your Loved One, Financial &amp; Legal, End-of-Life Care, and Life After Caregiving.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<h6 class=\"rich-text\"><\/h6>\n<h6 class=\"rich-text\"><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Taking Care of the Caregiver<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Being a family caregiver\u00a0can be\u00a0both challenging and deeply rewarding. While caring for a loved one may feel like a full-time responsibility,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0essential not to overlook your own needs. Prioritizing your well-being\u00a0protects\u00a0not only\u00a0your\u00a0health, but also the\u00a0quality of\u00a0care\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0able to provide\u00a0your family member.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you need to take a break for a few days or more, <strong>respite care<\/strong> might be an option to consider, even for a family member requiring memory care. <\/span><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/communities\/\">Contact an ASC location<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> near you and arrange to visit, see for yourself, and talk to one of our team members about your exact needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>For more information about American Senior Communities, please visit <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.ASCSeniorCare.com<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you a family caregiver?\u00a0More and more\u00a0people are taking on\u00a0this role,\u00a0typically for a spouse or an aging parent.\u00a0Newer research on caregiving in the United States shows just how prevalent this situation is. A 2025 study revealed that 59 million people in the United States provide ongoing, complex care to a family member. And 29% also [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":238471,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[555],"tags":[566],"class_list":["post-243212","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-caregiving-2","tag-sticky"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243212"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243212\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/238471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=243212"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=243212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}