RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Questions to ask

Is this the right group for you? Does it address your concerns?
Do you need to meet face to face with others?
Will telephone or online support suffice?
Are you comfortable sharing your intimate feelings with others?
Are you willing to listen to other people’s difficulties?
Are you deriving benefit from the group?
Does the group leader maintain control or do meetings lose focus, leaving you frustrated?
Note: Too many caregivers claim they don’t have the time to attend support groups. Please make the time; it’s critical for your survival.

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Steps to take

Determine what you need from a support group.
Find out if there is an existing group that meets your needs.
Discover sources of information about support groups
self-help clearinghouses and resource centres
social service agencies
volunteer bureaus
community agencies
health, disease and disability associations
seniors’ centres
churches and other religious institutions
hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities
professional therapists
newspaper listings
community services directories
community services listings
the Internet
Visit support groups with similar concerns
Join the group that best meets your needs
Start your own support group, if necessary.
Support groups are not for everyone. If you prefer not to participate in a group (please try a few meetings), consider one-on-one support and counseling. Contact an established organization in your particular field of interest, or contact a social worker through your local health department, community health centre or family service agency.

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Starting a Support Group

Questions to Ask

Is there an existing support group that addresses your concerns?
Do you have the time and energy to start a support group?
Do you have the support of family members and friends?
Can you handle the extra demands of organizing a support group?
Are there other organizations that the new support group can align with?
Are there other caregivers willing to share responsibilities?
Are there professionals you can call on to help with start-up?
Are there professionals you can call on to provide topical advice and information?
How will you publicize the formation of the group?
What community resources are available?
What are possible sources of financial support?
Where will the group meet? When? How often?
How will the group be led — by peer leadership, professional facilitation, shared leadership?
How will group responsibilities be shared?
How will the group be structured — as a stand-alone group or as part of a larger organization?
Will it be an informal group or legally registered?
Steps to take

Visit support groups with similar concerns
Talk with experienced group leaders
Find out what they have found to be most effective
Obtain how-to packages from established groups
Contact a self-help clearinghouse for information on how to start a support group
Find out about available community resources
Seek out opportunities to create strategic partnerships
Find out about potential funding sources
service clubs
community and social service agencies
businesses
grant-awarding agencies and foundations
professional associations
gifts in kind
donations from individuals, families, bequests
Form an organizing committee
Arrange a planning meeting
Establish the group’s focus
Define the aims and objectives of the group
Decide who can join the group
Define the group’s relationship with professionals
Establish the purpose of the first meeting
Arrange a meeting to launch the group
Publicize the launch meeting. Target potential members
Collect resource information and materials to display or exchange at the launch Top

Running a Support Group
Questions to ask

Is the meeting content relevant to the members’ needs?
Is the meeting location convenient and accessible to the majority of members?
Is the meeting schedule adequate for members?
Are members satisfied with the conduct of the group?
Are members satisfied with their level of participation in the group?
Have the members’ needs changed?
How will the group publicize its availability to potential new members?
Steps to take

Select a group leader or rotating schedule of leaders and/or facilitators
Establish clear ground rules:
Confidentiality — Keep discussions between group members only.
Respect — Let each person speak without interruption.
Guest speakers — Keep introductions short; let guest speakers present their topics.
Patience — Be patient towards group members, especially those in need.
Constructive discussion — Confine group discussions to issues and coping strategies specific to the group. Deal with external matters privately.
Group ownership — It’s your group. Speak out, be respectful, stay on track.
Finish meetings on time but let attendees arrive as they can.
Select a meeting place, schedule and meeting format
Hold regular meetings
Solicit feedback from members on the effectiveness of the group
Make group decisions about changes, as necessary.
Sample discussion topics for caregiver support groups

responsibilities and rewards of caregiving
how to handle day-to-day problems
information on community and support services
self-advocacy
advocating for the care recipient
effects of change and loss on marital and family relationships
learning about health boundaries
warning signs of caregiver stress
ways to relieve caregiver stress
taking care of yourself
what to say and do when you can no longer be a full-time or part-time caregiver
long distance caregiving
coping with your feelings
dealing with grief and moving on
facing the day when placement in long-term care is a necessity
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Coping Strategies
Keep support group discussions confidential
Listen and support group members without criticizing or passing judgment
Respect each member’s personal situation
Brainstorm solutions to members’ dilemmas
Be realistic about what the group can accomplish
Rotate tasks and responsibilities among group members
Develop a network of peers and professionals for support
Avoid burnout

Invite a family member or friend along to your first support group meeting.
If necessary, arrange for someone to look after the care recipient, while you attend support group meetings.
Provide telephone support to members who cannot attend meetings or need more support than the meeting can provide.
Take advantage of opportunities for free publicity to recruit new members
Incorporate humour into the meetings as a stress reliever.

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