As caregivers, we often find ourselves focused on the immediate needs of others. It’s easy to do when someone needs you, right? There is much to value in stepping back and focusing on your needs too—specifically, the need for staying connected. Keeping social ties and tapping into community resources can help you to improve your well-being and overall care experience. Some additional benefits include:

Stress relief and mental health: Research shows that "having a strong social network can dramatically reduce stress and improve mental health". Imagine - fewer overwhelming days, just because you've got a few extra friends who 'get it'.

Access to resources and improved outcomes: Getting involved with community groups can lead you to new caregiving discoveries and tips, tried and true from other family caregivers.

Maintaining connections means going beyond surviving to thriving in your care role. Community and social connections break through the loneliness that can sneak up on a family caregiver. These connections can open doors to invaluable resources and advice. In building a support network caregiving becomes a shared journey, not a solo mission. And let’s face it, having people who understand and support us can transform the caregiving experience from something we have to do into something more fulfilling.

Real Life Stories

Linda, 48, School Teacher, Primary Caregiver for Her Mother
Linda balances her career as a middle school teacher with caring for her 72-year-old mother, who was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's two years ago. Feeling isolated, Linda reached out to a local caregiving support group she found through an online community board. This connection has not only provided her with practical advice but also emotional support from others in similar situations. Linda noticed that by being in the group it became easier to share and delegate responsibilities and even occasionally find respite. Overall this has improved her ability to care for her mother and continue teaching.

Mark, 55, Freelance Graphic Designer, Cares for His Disabled Brother
Mark has always been close to his brother, but caregiving brought new challenges. To manage better, he joined a local YMCA that offers special programs for disabled adults and their caregivers. This involvement has not only improved his brother’s physical health but also expanded their social circle. The YMCA’s resources helped Mark to connect with other caregivers. He was surprised that they even exchanged tips and formed friendships that have lightened the emotional load of caregiving.

Embracing New Connections as a Caregiver

A family caregiver is often deeply immersed in their own world full of new responsibilities and challenges and lives to juggle. While our "regular" friends are invaluable, they may not fully grasp the new intricacies of caregiving being more attuned to our pre-caregiving lifestyle. Engaging with new groups of people who share similar experiences can offer emotional comfort and practical support. As you step out of your comfort zone to make new connections here is a list of things to keep in mind:

1. Identify Needs: Determine what support you seek—emotional, practical, or social.

2. Find Relevant Groups: Search for caregiver-specific groups, online forums, or local events.

3. Participate Actively: Attend meetings or events regularly to ease into the community.

4. Volunteer: Engage in community activities to meet like-minded individuals.

5. Share and Listen: Be open about your experiences and listen to others’ stories.

6. Stay Consistent: Regular participation helps build deeper connections.

7. Explore Diverse Views: Gain insights from caregivers in different situations to broaden your understanding.

8. Use Social Media: Connect with online caregiving communities for additional support.

9. Set Boundaries: Maintain personal boundaries to protect your well-being.

10. Reflect and Adjust: Assess if the community fits your needs and adjust if necessary.

Explore these websites to connect with communities that understand your needs and can help enhance your caregiving experience.

Pass it on!

Share the newsletter with other caregivers, friends, anyone at all! Together we are a community of care, working towards better communication and deeper understanding of everyone’s needs.