What is a caregiver's support group?

A support group can provide you with an opportunity to talk with other people who are dealing with many of the same caregiving issues. These groups provide a safe place to receive emotional support and can be a good resource for caregiving strategies. You can learn from other people's successes and mistakes.

There are great support resources, social networks, website, churches, local organizations that can help with caregiving. In order for caregivers to provide the best caregiving, they need to care for themselves. Social health and networks are becoming popular and growing to support patients, caregivers and those they care for. Below is a list of free social resources:

• Lotsa Helping Hands is a free service. They offer both Private and Open Communities http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/
• Treatment Diaries. Another free service. Treatment Diaries is a social network for those living with illness, newly diagnosed or caring for someone with a medical condition. http://www.treatmentdiaries.com/about.aspx @treatdiaries
• Caregiving.com is a community of family caregivers sharing their stories, support and solutions. 
• CareRxInc.com is a new social, virtual, educational, supportive community for caregivers, sandwiched generation families, and seniors. Their goal is to connect and provide health, wellness & medication management tips to family and professional caregivers. Twitter@carerxpharmd