Finding Support for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

So many Alzheimer’s caregivers I speak with have a difficult time finding support or just someone to talk with.  Even though more people are becoming knowldegeable about Alzheimer’s, it’s hard to find encouragement with the day to day care from someone who’s “been there” or is going through it.

I realize how fortunate I was to have my neighbor.  She’d been overseeing the care of her great aunt with Alzheimer’s about the time I became involved in my mom’s care.  We’d chat frequently about what we were encountering, compare notes, laugh about various happenings, talk out the frustrations, and know we weren’t alone.

Today I talked with a colleague who is caring for her mother.  She mentioned it was so difficult in our rural area to find a support group.  The one that did exist met when she was working. 

That’s why an online group, like Caring for Elderly Family Members, can be a great help when you don’t have anyone to chat with.  Also organizations, like the Alzheimer’s Association, offer information and support and may know of chapters near you.