AgeWise: Joining a Support Group
By: Laine Baker
Updated: February 23, 2012
Victoria Armstrong regularly attends dementia and family caregiver support groups, and has for years. Her mother came to stay with her a few years back and now lives in assisted living in Northwest Arkansas.
"People need to be able to let it out once in a while, and there is no safer place to do that than a support group," she said.
The non-profit Schmieding Center put together the support groups to help people caring for their parents, spouses or older loved ones.
"Not that it is going to fix anything, but it allows them some normalcy for a little while longer," said Geriatric Care Manager, Carolyn Wheeler,
The groups allow people to ask for advice, vent frustrations, and share experiences.
"It's a safe place to be, it's a safe place to go," Armstrong said. "No one can understand or empathize unless you are there."
Sometimes, most importantly of all, the groups allow people caring for their loved ones a chance to relax, and just talk.
"There is a lot of stress involved in caregiving, and some people have a really hard time," Armstrong said.
For Armstrong, the groups have provided endless information, a way to relieve stress and friendships. Organizers said that is exactly what they strive for.
"My goal is that they will take a new lease on life that will take them through a little longer," Wheeler said.
For more information on the support groups, go to: http://schmiedingcenter.org/cares.html
"People need to be able to let it out once in a while, and there is no safer place to do that than a support group," she said.
The non-profit Schmieding Center put together the support groups to help people caring for their parents, spouses or older loved ones.
"Not that it is going to fix anything, but it allows them some normalcy for a little while longer," said Geriatric Care Manager, Carolyn Wheeler,
The groups allow people to ask for advice, vent frustrations, and share experiences.
"It's a safe place to be, it's a safe place to go," Armstrong said. "No one can understand or empathize unless you are there."
Sometimes, most importantly of all, the groups allow people caring for their loved ones a chance to relax, and just talk.
"There is a lot of stress involved in caregiving, and some people have a really hard time," Armstrong said.
For Armstrong, the groups have provided endless information, a way to relieve stress and friendships. Organizers said that is exactly what they strive for.
"My goal is that they will take a new lease on life that will take them through a little longer," Wheeler said.
For more information on the support groups, go to: http://schmiedingcenter.org/cares.html
