Types of Support Groups that Can Help Your Aging Loved One

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Kinds of Support Groups that Can Help Your Elderly Loved One in Addison, TX

Everybody needs a little extra support and assistance now and then. While you may be able to fill this role to some extent as your aging loved one’s caregiver, it can also be helpful for your loved one to connect with other individuals going through similar experiences. This is the basic purpose of a support group. Here are some of the senior-specific support groups your loved one may benefit from.

Chronic Disease Support Groups

Many seniors have one or more chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. Living with any type of condition with no definite end or cure can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other types of stress and worry. Information about support groups for seniors with chronic health issues is often available online and at local hospitals and medical centers. Such groups tend to offer: • Tips for addressing symptoms • Advice for handling changes to daily routines • Reliable information about new research and treatment options 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.

Cancer-Related Support Groups

Cancer isn’t necessarily a chronic condition, since it’s possible to recover from it or go into remission. Still, seniors going through treatment often experience a flood of emotions, frustrations, and challenges. The National Cancer Institute provides access to support group resources, as does the American Cancer Society. Seniors can also benefit from support groups specific to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Such groups often offer added emotional support coupled with reliable suggestions for handling the side effects of cancer treatments.

Stroke Survivor Support Groups

Recovering from a stroke can be a physically and mentally exhausting process for a senior. The American Stroke Association has a Stroke Support Group Finder tool on its website that can be used to quickly locate local groups. Online groups can be located this way as well. These groups help seniors address the lingering effects of strokes, such as mobility limitations and speech difficulties.

Dementia Support Groups

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be overwhelming for both seniors and family caregivers. Support groups for these conditions often encourage members to share their concerns, fears, and feelings. The Alzheimer’s Association has an online page that provides access to in-person groups, online communities, and message boards. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving 24-hour care. Irving, TX, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

Depression/PTSD Support Groups

Often associated with military veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also affect seniors who’ve experienced trauma that was never addressed. Older adults may also become depressed because of changes in life circumstances or other personal issues. Concerns of this nature can be addressed in support groups for seniors experiencing either depression or PTSD. These groups are similar in that the goal is often to identify likely sources or contributing factors and suggest techniques for addressing the issues.

Grief/Loss Support Groups

It’s not unusual for older adults to lose loved ones. But some seniors have a difficult time with grief-related issues, sometimes to the point where quality of life is affected. Support groups can help seniors find ways to manage grief in a healthy way and move forward. Grieving.com provides online access to this type of support.  Compassionate home caregivers can provide socialization, companionship, and support for aging adults. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Irving, TX, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Call us at (817) 591-1580 today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality home care services.

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