Support groups

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Thu, 20/08/2009 - 1:19pm

Talking with others can be a great relief to carers.

Support groups are not for everyone, but they can be of great benefit to a carer and provide emotional support in times of need.

In this article:

What is a carer support group?
What to look for in a carer support group
Carer support through friends and family
Help with carer support groups

What is a carer support group?

A support group can be a place where carers get advice and information about a condition. By sharing feelings and experiences in a supportive environment, a carer can learn new ways of coping with a condition.

Meeting other people in similar circumstances can be a relief. The companionship of other people and knowing you are not alone is often enough. Support groups can be formal or informal. For people who don't have a wide group of friends or family members who live close by, the companionship of a group of people can be of comfort.

What to look for in a carer support group

Support groups are of most benefit when they have a focused agenda. Most associations have support groups. For carers who need specific and up to date information, a structured and formal support group facilitated by a professional will be of most benefit.

Some associations offer courses and educational programs such as the "Living with Memory Loss" program with the Alzheimer's Association. Regular meetings, newsletters and visiting speakers can provide useful information that you would not otherwise be exposed to.

Carer support through friends and family

The internet has also opened the door to a new way of communicating and connecting with others. Online chat rooms and forums can be a place where a carer can get help and advice without leaving the home. Support groups don't have to be formal, simply meeting friends for coffee and a chat can help.

Some people prefer to talk to another person on an individual basis. Counselling often works better in this case. Counselling can be over the phone or face to face, on a one on one basis or involve the whole family to resolve any conflicts.

Help with carer support groups

What is available to you will depend on the area you live. A good place to start is your nearest association or organisation. There are national and state based associations for most common conditions. They may be able to put you in contact with a local support group.

Alternatively you can:
• Contact the Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre 1800 242 636
• Ring your nearest Aged Care Assessment team (ACAT)
• Look on the internet under support groups (be specific such as stroke support group or Parkinson's disease support group)
• Visit Carers Australia for support with being a carer
• Call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500

Tip
Helplines can be a great way of getting instant phone support. Put the number of a helpline in a prominent place such as by the phone or on the fridge.