5 Kinds of Support Groups that Can Offer Benefits for Aging Adults

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There’s something to be said for getting added support from other people going through the same thing. This is one of the reasons support groups can be welcome resources for older adults facing personal situations that are a bit challenging emotionally or physically. Here are five types of support groups that tend to be beneficial for seniors.

1. Chronic Condition/Illness Support Groups

According to the National Council on Aging, roughly 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic condition, and this figure increases with age. Living with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or another condition can take a serious toll on overall wellbeing. Often offered by hospitals or directly online, support groups specific to chronic illnesses or conditions typically provide:

• Emotional support from older adults with the same condition
• Tips for effective daily management
• Access to reliable information about supplemental treatments

The American Cancer Society has a page seniors with cancer can use to find local support resources. There are also support groups for seniors living with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Seniors may also benefit from similar groups that help members manage progressive hearing or vision loss that’s not entirely correctable.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

2. Grief Support Group

Adjusting to life without a spouse or other loved one can be difficult for a senior. Some local senior centers, churches, funeral homes, hospitals, and clinics provide access to support groups for seniors facing loss. Such groups can be helpful by supplementing support provided by family members and friends.

Compassionate home caregivers can provide socialization and companionship for aging adults who have lost loved ones. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Harrisburg, PA, Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

3. Dementia-Related Support Groups

Seniors recently diagnosed or in the early stages of dementia may benefit from support groups for older adults and their family caregivers. These groups may be able to help older adults with dementia and those caring for them by:

• Addressing the many emotions that go along with a dementia diagnosis
• Providing access to credible new research
• Offering recommendations for activities or therapies that could slow dementia progression
• Giving both seniors and family caregivers a way to discuss feelings and concerns

The Alzheimer’s Association website provides access to various support groups for seniors with dementia and their caregivers. Similar support groups are available for seniors living with Parkinson’s disease.

4. Addiction Recovery Support Groups

Once seniors have received appropriate treatment for addiction, support groups can help recovering seniors remain focused when moving forward. Some of these groups also recommend techniques and activities seniors can explore to remain relaxed and focused post-treatment. Plus, recovery groups give older members easy access to additional assistance should there be setbacks or unexpected challenges.

5. Support Groups to Help with Lifestyle Changes

It’s not unusual for seniors to face difficulty with efforts to stop smoking, shed unwanted pounds, or stick to exercise routines. The American Lung Association website has a quit smoking action plan some seniors may prefer instead of in-person meetings. For weight loss, the Obesity Action Coalition has a listing of in-person support groups by state, and Weight Watchers has online-accessible groups. With exercise, some local gyms offer exercise groups for older members, as do some senior centers. The Silver Sneakers website provides similar resources for older adults. Such groups can provide an added incentive to stay motivated and achieve personal goals.

Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving 24-hour care. Harrisburg, PA, Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (717) 540-4663 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.
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