The Power Of Support Networks For Family Caregivers
There’s a popular saying that it takes a village to raise a family, and the same could be said for caring for our older population. As we age, it helps to lean into our local communities and support networks for assistance with numerous changes and challenges. For caregivers, whether professional or not, this includes building a network of personal support to prevent you from taking on too much and experiencing caregiver burnout.
What Is A Support Network?
A support network can be any group of people who provide resources and assistance for a given purpose. For family caregivers, this could apply to physical support with caregiving tasks, emotional or financial assistance, and even spiritual guidance – any collection of people who make your life easier or step in when you need help.
Benefits Of A Support Network
Caregiving is hard work. It’s essential that family caregivers have access to the support they need to keep them from putting too much pressure on themselves. Getting emotional support as well as relief from your duties when you need it can help replenish the energy the role requires. For some, caregiving is like having another full-time job on top of their career, family obligations, and other life commitments. A support network can lower your risk of burnout, share knowledge with you, and lend an ear when you need it.
Reduce Stress And Burnout
More than 66 percent of unpaid caregivers reportedly experience burnout, which refers to the physical and mental exhaustion that results from neglecting your own self-care. It tends to happen when caregivers shoulder too much of the burden by themselves and don’t ask for help when they need it. A support network will allow you to offload some of those tasks to reduce your stress and give you space to relax and recharge when you need it.
Share Knowledge
Caregiving for an older adult is not something everyone naturally knows how to do. It’s a learned skill. Connecting with a caregiver community is one way to share and build knowledge about the tasks you are taking on. Your network can provide practical advice for helping your loved one and teach you the basics of caring for an aging senior.
Emotional Support
Being a family caregiver can be emotionally and mentally draining, as well. People who haven't done the work may not understand what you’re going through. Building a support network with other family caregivers or professionals can give you an outlet to express your emotional challenges to people who will relate to you.
Local Support Resources
Even if you’re the primary caregiver for an aging relative, you don’t have to handle everything by yourself. There are many resources at your disposal to help you build a support network, including a Visiting Angels caregiver who can step in and provide quality care when you need a break.
Caregiver Support Groups
The state of Alabama and the city of Daphne have various resources and support groups for caregivers and seniors with age-related challenges. A few organizations with educational and supportive resources include:
- Doris Marie Jones Foundation – support services for family caregivers with loved ones who have dementia.
- Area Agency on Aging – programs supporting people over 60 and their caregivers.
- Gulf Coast Dementia Services – weekly support groups for caregivers and loved ones with dementia.
Senior Centers
What senior centers are in your area? The Daphne Senior Center is a great way for your aging loved one to connect with other local seniors while putting you in touch with other family caregivers. The center hosts monthly events such as game nights, fitness classes, crafting sessions, and support groups. You can view their full calendar of events online.
Consider attending an event with your loved one as a way to get out of the house and connect with other residents in similar situations. You might meet other family caregivers who have advice and resources to share based on their experiences.
Faith-Based Organizations
Faith-based organizations, such as churches and temples, are wonderful places where you can receive support from a like-minded community. Many host events and support groups that are open to anyone in the community. The place you attend may also offer personalized support for your situation, such as a prayer group or volunteer group to help with small tasks like delivering meals to the elderly.
If you’re a part of a religious organization, talk to fellow members and leaders about your situation and what sort of help you need. Even if there is no official support system, you’ll likely find people who are sympathetic and willing to lend a hand.
Contact Visiting Angels for Caregiver Support
Visiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency that creates personalized care plans for all of the seniors it serves to help them age safely in place. We offer a range of care services that can be combined to meet each individual’s needs. Whether a family requires full-time assistance for a loved one with serious limitations, or they want temporary help to recharge from burnout, the Visiting Angels team is ready to help.
Contact our Daphne office to get more information about our home care services and to schedule a complimentary consultation on how we can assist you and your family.