Should You Join an Online Support Group?
Online support groups are definitely an option for you and for your elderly loved one. But sometimes as a family caregiver you might wonder if an online support group is really the best option for you.
If You Don’t Have a Lot of Time
When you’re extremely busy juggling your personal life, your loved one’s care, and your career, you don’t have an abundance of spare time usually. That can mean that attending in-person support group meetings is the closest thing to impossible there is. Online support groups mean that you can log in whenever you have a minute or two.
If You Can’t Leave the House
Sometimes as a family caregiver you might find that you’re going through periods of time when it’s difficult to leave the house regularly. Your loved one might be having some health issues or perhaps you’re having your own health issues. That’s when an online support group can be your lifeline to the outside world.
If You Need Convenience Most of All
For some family caregivers, convenience is the most important aspect of all. Perhaps you just need an answer from someone as soon as possible. When that happens, an online support group can be the exact answer for your situation.
If Your Loved One’s Issues Are Rare or Unusual
Some elderly loved ones have complicated, unusual, or even rare health conditions or diseases. In that case, you might not even have the option to attend an in-person support group at all. Finding people online to whom you and your loved one can relate is essential and it might be your best bed.
If You Need to Warm up to Support Groups in General
It’s scary to walk into a meeting full of people that you don’t know and share your deepest fears or ask for information. It’s especially difficult if you’re naturally introverted. Sure, you might end up with really good friends out of these scary meetings, but that’s a few months down the road. Joining an online support group can help you warm up to the idea of meeting people in person.
You can give as many online support groups a try as you want. For some caregivers, that’s easier than trying out in-person meetings and feeling out of place.
If you or someone you know needs help with caregiver services in Ada, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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