7 Online Dementia Support Groups For Caregivers F People With Dementia
Even if you’ve been looking after a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias for a long time, your daily obligations can be onerous, frustrating, and lonely. While each caregiver’s experience is as unique as the loved ones they look after, you are not alone in your struggles. Support groups that connect dementia patients, caregivers, family members, and other people of local communities are among the numerous free tools accessible to dementia caregivers. These support groups can help you find clarity and further advice as you explore more resources and learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The 7 best online, remote-access dementia support groups are listed below to assist you and your loved one as you navigate this condition. Countless caregivers and their loved ones have connected with people in similar situations while caring for their loved ones through groups like this. Continue reading to learn about some resources that could be beneficial to you or a loved one.
1. ALZConnected
The Alzheimer’s Association has launched ALZConnected, a free online community for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones to connect with others in similar situations. On the website, there are two forums: one for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and another for their caregivers. In addition to additional events that are arranged on a regular basis, visitors can engage in online conversations or virtual support groups. The Alzheimer’s Association also has an online tool for finding virtual support groups based on a specific topic or area.
2. Caregiver Nation
Over 6,000 family caregivers participate in Caregiver Nation, a Facebook group where they share information, understanding, empathy, and resources. The organization originated as a support group for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and while it has subsequently expanded to include individuals caring for loved ones with a variety of complicated or chronic medical problems, a large proportion of members have dementia experience. Caregiver Nation provides a secure environment for caregivers to vent, ask concerns, and seek assistance. It’s a free resource that can make family caregivers feel less isolated and more supported in their work.
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3. Caregivers of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Chat Group
Jean O’Connor, who was looking for a community for caregivers as she cared for her father with dementia, founded this Facebook support group, which now has over 9,600 members. People with dementia’s family members, caregivers, and friends can request to join the group to share their experiences and learn from one another. Medication management, hospice care, and treatment alternatives are among the subjects discussed in the support chat group.
4. Memory People
Rick Phelps, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in late 2010 and was looking for support and community, started the Facebook support group Memory People. The club has grown tremendously since its inception, now having over 24,000 members. Caregivers, family members, patients, professionals, and medical activists are all invited to participate in this extremely inclusive forum. It allows its broad set of individuals to discuss their own tales and seek help.
5. HopeHealth
HopeHealth, an eldercare company, holds a free Dementia Caregiver Support Group four days a week in the morning and early evening. To receive an invitation with the Zoom link, new visitors can contact HopeHealth directly or send them an email. A weekly General Caregiver Support Group and a Veteran Caregiver Support Group, as well as twice-monthly Mindfulness Meditation for Caregivers classes, are all offered by the firm.
6. Family Caregiver Alliance’s Online Caregiver Support Group – Caregiver-Online
Caregiver-Online is a Family Caregiver Alliance email-based caregiver support group. To join the debates, new users simply need to provide their name, email address, and password. You can choose to receive a daily roundup of current subjects or individual emails as each debate progresses after you join. This is a simple and low-pressure approach for caregivers to communicate with one another and share questions, concerns, and ideas.
7. Smart Patients
The American Parkinson Disease Association hosts Smart Patients, an online support community. Smart Patients sponsors over 100 different communities for other symptoms, including dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders, in addition to their Parkinson’s Disease support group. To get started, new visitors must submit their email address in order to subscribe and browse the site’s discussion threads.
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Both people living with dementia and their caregivers require emotional and educational support to maintain their quality of life. Online support groups, such as the seven mentioned above, are a popular way to interact with a larger community of individuals who want to engage with others and address similar difficulties or offer ideas and words of encouragement. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cause a lot of stress in families and make many caregivers feel lonely. The correct dementia support group may be a terrific source of support, and there are many free, online choices available, so it’s easy to give one a try.
Need help caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias? Care At Heart Home Care can help today.