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Caregivers & Caregiving
Where can we get Support?
close friend or family member
formal organizations
professional counselor
on-line support group
local mutual support groups
A good group should have several characteristics:
  • History of stability and satisfied members
  • Leader who cares about meeting the needs of all members
  • Good mix of newcomers and oldtimers
Some warning signs to be aware of are:
  • Meetings comprised mostly of negativity
  • Promises of quick fixes or cures
  • Charge fees that are obviously higher than the norm
  • Coerce members into revealing personal information
Above all, a support group should relieve your stress not add to it.

The emotional strain of dealing with any chronic illness can be overwhelming. If you or your charge are newly diagnosed, there will be many questions. The healthcare provider may or may not be able to answer them all. If the illness has been present for some time, new symptoms will bring about new questions like, is this normal or not.

Worrying about financial issues, dealing with insurance companies, concern about bodily changes from both the illness and the treatment - who wouldn't need help! Combine that with fears about families futures, changes in lifestyle or chronic fatigue and pain and you have the perfect recipe for frustration, depression and even anger.

The key is to acknowledge the illness and its affect on you. Realize that you need not carry this burden alone. Seek out the best support solution for you and use it. There are many places to find help when you are in need of support. Often we seek out a family member or close friend first. But if that is not an alternative or if they are unable to provide the answers needed, other options must be found.

Professional counseling can be provided by clergy, hospital or other medical staff, social workers, psychologists or psychiatrists. Many times the information needed can be provided by formal organizations such as The National Arthritis Foundation, American Diabetes Association, Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society. In additon there is support for caregivers provided by such organizations as Family Caregiver Alliance or National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) .

Local support groups are often a wonderful option for support needs. They are often run or

The copyright of the article Caregivers & Caregiving in Recreational Vehicles is owned by Donna Yeaw. Permission to republish Caregivers & Caregiving in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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