Home Care in Los Altos CA
Finding someone who understands your caregiving situation is not always easy, possibly leading you to feeling lonely or isolated from the outside world. However, caregiver support groups are filled with people who understand your situation and have even been there themselves. The home care providers you meet at these support groups may be able to help offer a solution to your problems and may possibly become lifelong friends.
As beneficial as support groups are, it is important that you find the right one. Here are some tips to do just that.
- Use online resources. There are a wide variety of online forums and resources that will list caregiver support groups for you. You may also be able to find comments and reviews from others who have attended these groups, giving you a better idea of what to expect. Eldercare.gov is a great resource to find the perfect support group for your situation.
- Discover what the format is. Each group will have a different layout. Some will have a facilitator, while others will just have all support group members meet for an informal discussion. Whatever your preference is, find a group that caters to it.
- Do not pay a fee. You can join most support groups for no cost. However, if you do come across a group that requires a fee, be extra cautious. While some may ask that you join the association and pay the dues, there is no reason you should have to pay any extra fees to become a member of a support group.
- Be flexible. Especially if you are in an area with limited resources for caregivers, do not refuse to join a support group because it is not perfectly tailored to your needs. Have an open mind and join if you think that it could be beneficial to you and your situation.
- Do not feel obligated. If you try out one support group and do not feel like it is a good fit, do not feel like you have to continue going. Try a different one to see if that one works better for you. You can try several groups in order to discover which one is a better match for you.
- Do not be afraid to join. Some caregivers may be hesitant to join a support group because they do not want to share all of their deepest struggles and worries with complete strangers. Try to push past your fear in order to find a support group to join. Who knows, you may be able to pick up advice for your current situation.
Source:
http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-2016/support-groups-for-caregivers.html?intcmp=AE-HF-RELBOX1
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Los Altos, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.
