Online patient communities and online caregiver support groups are some of the fastest growing sites on the Internet. As the number of adults over 65 who routinely use the Internet is poised to pass the 50% mark, we can only assume the number of support sites will also continue to climb. So what groups are available for older adults and caregivers to turning to for help? We thought it might help our partners if we first shared some of the research around these communities.
Why do people turn to online patient communities and caregiver support groups?
The experts at The Mayo Clinic explored this question and shared what they found:
- An opportunity to share feelings with those who are “in the same boat” tops the list. Talking online with people who are experiencing similar struggles helps give participants the moral support they often need.
- The anonymous nature of the Internet allows people to talk openly and honestly about their feelings. If caregivers are feeling guilty because they are worn out and bitter about having to miss out on activities due to their responsibilities, for example, they will easily find other caregivers who can sympathize.
- Online communities allow participants to share resources and knowledge. Cancer patients can help each other with suggestions on coping with the emotional side of the disease or with methods they’ve discovered for managing pain and symptoms. Caregivers might be able to refer one another to resources that work for them for managing a loved one’s wandering or meals plans that are nutritious and simple to prepare. They also share information about what physicians and health practitioners they’ve found helpful.
How do patients and caregivers find support groups?
There are a variety of ways to help your patients and clients connect with an online support group that meets their unique needs. Here are just a few you may want to consider recommending as a starting point for those who are interested:
- SupportGroups.com helps connect participants with a support group based on their specific challenge. Groups range from cancer support to anxiety and depression.
- Daily Strength is another site that is home to over 500 different types of support groups. Topics range from tinnitus to acne.
- AgingCare.com offers support groups for caregivers, in addition to a wide variety of articles and information that can help with the daily challenges of care.
- Family Caregiver Alliance is a part of the National Center on Caregiving. They can help you find an online support group in their network.
We hope this helps you provide your patients with a place to begin exploring the benefits of online communities. As a reminder, if your patient needs assistance finding senior care in Connecticut or the New York City area Senior Living Options provides complimentary support to families.
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Author: Ann Jamison
Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.
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