Family caregivers need more than financial support. We need the support of others who are in the trenches with us. People who have been there, done that, and can show us better, easier, or more cost-effective solutions to the daily challenges we face. Here are some support groups that family caregivers can turn to throughout our caregiving journey.
The Family Caregiver Alliance
The mission of Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people we care for. They host several online and in-person support groups. Their website provides state-by-state information on services for family caregivers.
The Caregiver Space
This organization hosts several private Facebook groups where family caregivers can connect. These include groups focused on:
- Spousal care
- Elder care
- Caregiving parents
- Long term care
- Young caregivers
- After caregiving
- LGBTQIAP+
- Caregiving daughters
- Caregiving sons
- All caregivers
Duet
This local non-profit started 40 years ago, supporting aging adults and their family caregivers in Arizona. But during the pandemic, they expanded their services to offer virtual support groups and educational events to family caregivers all across the country, via their website, duetaz.org.
You can join a general caregiver support group, or one tailored to your experience. For example, there’s an Alzheimer’s & Dementia group, an LGBTQ+ group, a Parkinson’s group, and more. If you’re new to caregiving, they can connect you with a seasoned caregiver for 1:1 peer support. Or you can offer your wisdom as a mentor.
Disease-specific Associations
Some support groups are focused on providing care for people with specific diseases or conditions. These allow caregivers to connect with others who encounter the same unique care challenges. Links to some of these support groups and chat rooms are below.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia caregiver support groups:
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Alzheimer’s Association
Lewy Body Dementia Association
Living Together With Lewy (Facebook group)
Memory People (Facebook group)
Parkinson's caregiver support groups:
American Parkinson’s Disease Association
Parkinson’s Buddy Network
Parkinson’s Foundation
Cancer caregiver support groups:
CancerCare
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
The American Cancer Society
Stroke caregiver support group:
Stroke Caregivers Support Group
Stroke Network
Religious-based Services
Some faith- or religious-based organizations host support groups for family caregivers. Examples include local houses of worship, regional organizations like Caring Together, Living Together, and national organizations like Nourish for Caregivers.
The National Institute of Aging
The National Institute of Aging (NIA), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), doesn’t host support groups for family caregivers. However, it does provide extensive online information on caregiving for individuals with serious health issues.
For more about the benefits of family caregiver support groups and how to join a support group, read our article, “Connecting Family Caregivers: A guide to joining a caregiver support group.”
At RubyWell, we’re paving a path to financial stability for all family caregivers. Right now, you can access coupons for up to 80% off prescription prices with our prescription savings tool, and soon you’ll be able to discover unused Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits on our MA Benefits Navigator. Ultimately, we’re developing compensation solutions so that every family caregiver can be a paid caregiver. If you’d like to be among the first to hear about future products, join our waiting list.
Review:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Government Programs for Seniors and their Family Caregivers
Chapter 2: Resources for Family Caregivers
Chapter 3: Services for Family Caregivers
At RubyWell, we’re paving a path to financial stability for all family caregivers. Our Family Leave Finder provides state-by-sate info on family leave laws. Soon, family caregivers will be able to make the most of a loved one’s health insurance benefits with our Medicare Advantage Benefits Navigator. And ultimately, we're developing compensation solutions so that every family caregiver can be a paid caregiver. If you’d like to be among the first to hear about future products, join our waiting list.
Was this story helpful for you? Share it with family or friends who are caring for an older family member and may be looking for support.
Suzanne Boutilier has been working and writing in the caregiving space since 2021. She also helps her sisters care for their aging father.
Elyse Dasko is a leading communications strategist in age tech, caregiving and the longevity market.
