More than just a shoulder to cry on, Caregiver Support Groups offer education, information, guidance and encouragement to people who are facing the challenges of care giving. Participants find inspiration from others and insight to their daily struggles of caring for a loved one.

Many disease specific organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Multiple Sclerosis, American Cancer Association, and American Parkinson’s Associations organize local support groups for people with these diseases as well as care givers.

An excellent example of a Manhattan based caregiver support group is led by Christopher Chin, program coordinator of Project STAR at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. In the support groups that Christopher offers, the caregivers are able to share the challenges they face in caring for a loved one in a safe and supportive environment.

The discussion can vary each week and topics range from trying to get other family members more involved and finding adequate home care coverage to expressing the sadness of seeing their loved one decline and worrying about who will be around to care for the caregiver when they become frail themselves.

The caregivers in the group are also able to relay their successes and wisdom they have gained from their experience and allowing them to even laugh at times about their situation. Most of all, the group emphasizes the need for self-care and helps caregivers to feel less isolated knowing that there are others who are in a similar situation who can relate to the struggles they are facing.

In addition to caregiver support groups, Project STAR also offers individual counseling, information and referral and workshops for family caregivers.

For more information on Project STAR or other services and programs sponsored by Lenox Hill Neighborhood House please call Chris Chin at 212-744-5022 or visit their website: www.LenoxHill.org

Care for your mind by identifying the positive aspects and rewards of caregiving on a regular basis. Ask yourself the question:”What am I learning from this experience?” Acknowledge and recognize your efforts, commitment, and contributions. You may not be able to change the reality of the caregiving situation; but you can change your perception of it and your response to it.

Care for your emotional and psychological self by cultivating awareness and acceptance of your changing feelings and moods. Share your feelings and struggles with others. Reach out to your family, friends, and community. Consider joining a support group for caregivers or seeking professional counseling.

Care for your Spiritual Self in a way that is most meaningful to you. A spiritual or religious community may provide comfort, compassion, and support.  Engaging in practices such as reflection, prayer, contemplation, or meditation may be helpful. Creating your own meaningful rituals may also provide solace.

SelectCare would like to acknowledge Sarah Waxse, LCSW, Caregivers Services, HealthOutreach, 212-746-4365 for the contribution of this article.