“Support groups are like lifelines — we’re around other people who are going through the same thing we are, and we know we’re not alone.” Kim Franklin

Do you wonder if support groups are right for you? Do you know how to find one that fits your needs? Are you feeling overwhelmed and isolated in your caregiving role?

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned that support groups can be transformative resources on this journey. In this post, we’re sharing insights from Kim Franklin, Senior Program Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, about how to find the right support group for you.

Support groups offer more than just information — they provide therapeutic spaces where caregivers can come together, share their frustrations, breathe, and hear from others in similar situations. Yet many caregivers resist joining groups, thinking they don’t have time, don’t need help, or feel caregiving is a private family matter that should be handled alone.

If you’re following along with the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap, this post supports Step Four, Find a support group. Let’s explore four essential tips for finding the right support group for your caregiving journey.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/57-find-the-right-support-group-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800–272–3900. Masters-level counselors can help with crisis intervention, finding resources including support groups, and they offer interpretation in over 200 languages.
• Community Resource Finder: https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/ Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website and enter your zip code to find support groups and other services in your community.
• The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.

Takeaways

We shared 4 tips:

1. Start with what you need right now
2. Choose the best format for you
3. Explore groups that match your situation
4. Don't settle, but don’t give up either

Take Action: Support Groups as Self-Care

If you haven’t yet tried a support group, consider committing this month to looking for one. Keep in mind that attending a support group isn’t just about learning how to care for your loved one — it’s also a form of self-care. You’re taking care of yourself while learning valuable information and building connections with others who understand.

Resources to Get Started:

• Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800–272–3900. Masters-level counselors can help with crisis intervention, finding resources including support groups, and they offer interpretation in over 200 languages.
• Community Resource Finder: Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website and enter your zip code to find support groups and other services in your community.
• The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.