4 Ways Support Groups for Degenerative Illnesses Can Help Aging Adults

Few things can be more difficult for seniors than finding out they have a degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. As the disease progresses and the need for home care grows, new challenges will come that need to be addressed. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a degenerative disease, one of the best things he or she can do is join a support group geared specifically toward his or her condition. Here are just a few of the benefits these support groups offer.

1. Empathy & Understanding

One of the most difficult things about being diagnosed with a degenerative disease is the sense of isolation that can come with it. Many people with these diseases admit to feeling as if no one else in the world understands what they’re feeling or going through.  While you may be doing your best to understand and be supportive of your loved one’s situation, it’s very different from actually having the disease yourself. Being involved in a support group gives your loved one a chance to interact with others who can empathize with his or her feelings about the disease, which can alleviate the stress of feeling isolated. In addition to the help of support groups, make sure your loved one has the professional support he or she needs at home. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Arlington elderly home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.

2. Confidentiality

Those who attend support groups are often asked to sign consent forms agreeing that anything said in the group will be kept private. This confidentiality may help your loved one feel comfortable opening up, knowing what he or she shares about his or her feelings won’t leave the room.

3. Tips for Living with the Condition

Members of the support group who have been living with their diseases for a long time may have a number of tips to share with your loved one about addressing his or her condition. When a number of people get together to talk and share ideas, many good suggestions often come up, which can be useful for everyone in the group and make everyone’s lives easier. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional home care service. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

4. Preparation for Development of the Disease

Support groups often include people in various stages of degenerative diseases. While seeing people further along in the disease’s progression may be difficult, your loved one can talk to these people and get a good idea of what to expect. Learning and preparing for the next stages of the disease from someone already experiencing them may be more comforting than trying to do so in a doctor’s office. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Arlington seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us at (817) 591-1580 today.