Support Group Interventions for Caregivers

Taking care of a disabled or chronically ill person is both rewarding and tiring. While people take pride in caring for loved ones, it is draining, both emotionally and physically, for the caregiver. Support groups help connect caregivers with one another; however, certain interventions assist in providing the needed strength to carry on.

Emotional Support

• Leaders of support groups can facilitate emotional sharing among group members by asking certain questions that encourage discussion. Begin by asking the caregiver about his relationship with the patient, such as spouse, parent, friend, child or other relative. Then ask group members about the patient's condition and needs; knowing that others are going through the same thing helps most people.

Professional Education

• Invite health care professionals to speak at support group meetings to provide caregiver education and training. Physical therapists may train caregivers on exercises that patients can do sitting or lying down. Home medical professionals can discuss uses of durable medical equipment. Nurses may demonstrate techniques for moving patients and administering medication.

Adult Day Care

• Adult day care agencies provide services for incapacitated people over the age of 18. Typically, they are open five days a week and have normal operating hours, opening between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and closing between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Invite agency directors to speak at your support group to inform members of their services and rates, as well as educating about caregiver burnout and taking time for themselves.

Respite Care

• In-home respite care provides caregivers with short breaks during the day to shop, go out with friends or participate in some other enjoyable activity. Starting a volunteer respite care program within a support group is free and simple. Ask group and community members to volunteer their time for one hour a week to provide a needed break for a caregiver.