February 11th, 2016

Senior Care Tips: Relieving Stress with an Online Support Group

Senior Care in Deerfield IL

Whether you have been caring for your elderly parents for several years or you have just gotten started on your senior care journey with them, you are likely very aware of the reality of caregiver stress. Studies have shown that adult children who care for their parents are more likely to experience high levels of emotional stress and the physical, emotional, mental, and cognitive health consequences that go along with that stress. For many caregivers, being a part of a support group can be a tremendous help in relieving and controlling this stress so that you can protect your health and wellbeing, and ensure that you are able to give the highest quality of care to all of those who rely on you.

A caregiver support group offers you a place to find encouragement and advice from people who know what you are going through and can offer their empathy and guidance as you progress through your senior care journey. While going to meet with these people and spending time with them on a regular basis can be extremely helpful in easing your stress and making you feel more capable of handling your care challenges, it is not always possible to engage in this type of group experience. You may not live in an area where these support groups are readily available, may not have the time in your schedule when the particular group that you need is available, or simply not handle in-person interactions well. These circumstances do not mean, however, that you cannot experience the benefits of a support group in your care journey.
Engaging in an online support group can make a tremendous difference in your care journey, helping you to get the support and encouragement that you need when you are not able to participate in a traditional in-person care support group. Some of the benefits of this type of support group include:

• Convenience. Online groups allow you to seek out the support and guidance that you need when you need it rather than when the group is formally meeting. Many of these groups offer forums, chat rooms, and other avenues for corresponding with your fellow group members, as well as online "meetup" times so that help is available at all times.

• Accessibility. Sometimes it can be too difficult for you to get out and attend a meeting. It may be that the senior health care services provider is not available to watch your senior loved one so that you can get away or that the meeting is too far away. Whatever the reason, being able to meet online is fantastic for still being able to reach out to the group.
 
• Specific support. If your loved one has a very specific medical, health, or personal challenge, meeting in an in-person setting may not offer you the level of support that you need for that specific challenge. Online groups can offer more support for people dealing with that specific challenge so that you can reach out with the questions that you have and the guidance you need.

​If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Deerfield, IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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