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How Do I Find Other Caregivers Like Me?

A new study referenced in this HuffPost50 article revealed “4 in 10 U.S. adults are now caring for a sick or elderly family member as more people develop chronic illnesses and the population ages.” As isolating as the caregiving experience can be, these numbers show that caregivers are not alone.

But it’s one thing to know there are others out there in similar situations, another to find those people, and yet another to connect with them for support, advice, and resource-sharing. Check out these 6 online communities (all of which are free to join) that can put you in touch with caregivers like you:

  • CareGiving.com: There are tons of resources here, from webinars to blogs to videos on caregiving. You can join various online groups and forums, and sign up to be matched with a volunteer WAIT buddy (someone to check in with you while you’re waiting at the doctor’s or in the ER) or phone buddy.

  • TheCaregiverSpace.org: There are a number of general discussion forums on The Caregiver Space, or you can sign up to chat live with other members in their existing communities (in specific caregiving areas).

  • ElderCare.gov: Get connected with local information via your Area Agency on Aging or Aging & Disability Resource Centers. Find yours with a zip code or city/state search here.

  • caregiving.org: Want to do more than connect? Join a National Alliance for Caregiving coalition in your area to “address the needs of family caregivers across the lifespan” and present “a united voice working to meet the complex social, medical, physical, financial, spiritual, and emotional needs of family caregivers.”

  • AARP’s Caregiving Groups: Visit AARP.org’s listing of caregiving groups to find relevant discussions and members.

  • Caregiver Community Action Network (CCAN): Described on the site as “a unique and highly dedicated group of over 100 volunteers in more than 40 states,” CCAN volunteers “reach out to family caregivers to provide education and support…and teach caregivers to be advocates for themselves and their loved ones.” Learn more here.

Need to talk to someone about your caregiving needs as they relate to mobility? Call us, or explore our site and blog for expert information and advice.

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