--- title: "Caregiver Support Groups: Defend Yourself Against Burnout" description: "When you feel like you're headed towards caregiver burnout, online caregiver support groups can help you manage stress." url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/caregiver-resources/caregiver-support-groups/ publisher: HomeCare.com phone: 800-974-3458 start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com --- Caregiver support # Caregiver Support Groups: Defend Yourself Against Burnout Published June 20, 20182 min readBy HomeCare.com ![Caregiver Support-Groups](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/_astro/7d25e337d6d5c457f1955725d22a3112-caregiver-support-groups.DuRWARqD_1Xlr1w.webp) On this page 1. What Do They Talk about in Support Groups? 2. In Their Own Words: Why Caregivers Appreciate Their Groups 3. Where Can You find a Caregiver Support Group? Questions about care for your family? [800-974-3458](tel:+18009743458) Caregiving, especially for a loved one, can be one of the most draining responsibilities a person could take on. It’s not just the physical and emotional part of the job that can leave you spent, it’s also the isolation. Since your loved one can’t be left alone, you often will notice that your personal time - for friends, for errands, for exercise - starts to dwindle. Isolation and exhaustion can quickly build into a phenomenon known as caregiver burnout that can make you a less empathetic caregiver. If you are caring for a loved one, you might find Caregiver Support groups to be a great help and source of comfort. Many caregivers end up feeling guilty and run down over similar problems. You may discover that a lot of people out there are annoyed at a parent for nagging, angry with their sibling who never pitches in, or are feeling guilty for taking even a little time for their own hobbies. You’ll find comfort in having a place to vent and learning that you’re not quite as alone as you thought. ## What Do They Talk about in Support Groups? It turns out most caregivers are experiencing the same things that are getting you down. Common topics that are discussed in support groups include: - Family members who never pitch in - Bickering with the loved one you are caring for - Changes in mood associated with dementia - Tips for being a better caregiver, (like lifting mom with greater ease, household safety tips…etc.) You’ll also be able to bring up your own questions in a supportive community. Caregivers tend to be loving, supportive people so discussions are typically filled with empathy and understanding. ## In Their Own Words: Why Caregivers Appreciate Their Groups We asked members of our online support group about their experience of having a community to talk about caregiving. “I am so grateful to have found this online support group. We all have the same problems, worries, fears, anger, triumphs, defeats etc. ……It makes the craziness a little less crazy and normal.” “I love this group because you get the support whenever wherever. And when you’re taking care of someone when do you have the time to get to a group?” ## Where Can You find a Caregiver Support Group? HomeCare.com moderates an active support forum on Facebook. The great part is that it is a closed group, so your family won’t be able to see the things you discuss. You can request to join the caregiver support group here. It’s easy to join and you can read the discussions until you’re ready to join in. Some caregivers like to find in-person groups to supplement an online community they’ve joined. There’s something unique about seeing the same faces on a regular basis and you’ll have an easier time making friends in person. Start by looking for groups online (‘Caregiver support group in \[YOUR TOWN\]’). See if the local library or your religious group already has a group that meets regularly. It’s important for caregivers to take proactive steps to make sure they have a support system in place because being burned out doesn’t just affect you. When you’re supported emotionally, you will be a better caregiver for your loved one. I hope you strongly consider finding a group, online or offline, where you can vent and be heard. This article was first published on HomeCare.com on June 20, 2018. Program rules and costs change; see our [current cost data](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/cost-of-home-care/) and [guides](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/guides/) for up-to-date figures. ## Terms in this article - [Caregiver burnout](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/caregiver-burnout/) - [Dementia](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dementia/) ## Keep reading - [**What 24-Hour and Live-In Home Care Really Cost**At the national median of $35 an hour, round-the-clock care by shifts works out to an estimated $840 a day, $5,880 a week and about $25,550 a month. Live-in...](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/guides/24-hour-and-live-in-care-cost/) - [**Home Care Agency, Registry or Private Caregiver: Who Employs Whom and Who Is Liable**The three models differ mainly in who employs the caregiver. With an agency, the caregiver usually works for the agency. With a registry, you usually hire...](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/guides/agency-vs-registry-vs-private-caregiver/) - [**Companion Care vs Personal Care: What Each Level Does and Does Not Do**Companion care gives company, light housekeeping, meals, rides and reminders. Personal care adds hands-on help with bathing, toileting, dressing and moving...](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/guides/companion-care-vs-personal-care/) - [**Can a Family Member Get Paid to Be a Caregiver? A State-by-State Guide**Yes, sometimes. Medicaid programs in several states let a person choose a relative as a paid caregiver, though spouses are often excluded or limited. The VA...](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/guides/get-paid-to-care-for-a-family-member/) - [**Going Home From the Hospital: What Care to Line Up Before Discharge**Start planning home care after hospital discharge on day one of the stay. The hospital discharge planner arranges medical follow-up, such as Medicare home...](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/guides/home-care-after-hospital-discharge/) - [**Live-In Care vs 24-Hour Care: How to Choose**Live-in care means one caregiver lives in the home and needs breaks and sleep. 24-hour care means a team of caregivers works shifts, so someone is always...](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/guides/live-in-vs-24-hour-care/) ## Talk to a care advisor today. Free consultation. No minimums, no contracts. [800-974-3458](tel:+18009743458) [Call a care advisor](tel:+18009743458)[Find a caregiver online](https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com) ![A caregiver helping an older adult recover at home](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/_astro/post-surgery.CNhBB5ZY_rHxxQ.webp)