Caregivers in the sandwich generation, meaning those who care for their senior parents in addition to their children or grandchildren, balance many responsibilities between their careers, health, family, and more. As a result, these caregivers can feel overextended—as though they’re spread too thin between their different responsibilities.
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Caregiver support groups are beneficial resources that can help relieve some of the stress of caregiving and serve as additional support networks.
Why Support Groups Are Important for Caregivers
Navigating the challenges that arise from caregiving can feel overwhelming and isolating. Support groups offer space to help caregivers cope with their complex feelings and share them with some anonymity.
These groups are confidential, safe, and supportive environments where you can share your thoughts without judgment. You can receive ideas on how to better balance responsibilities from those going through similar situations. Engaging with others who are experiencing the same challenges can provide comfort and help caregiving responsibilities feel more manageable.
How to Find a Support Group That’s Right for You as a Sandwich Generation Caregiver
When looking for a support group, keep a few things in mind to ensure you feel comfortable and find the support you need.
Don’t feel self-conscious.
To find the group that’s right for you, you’ll have to step outside of your comfort zone. It can feel a bit uncomfortable for some people to share their thoughts and feelings at first, but getting beyond this resistance is key to reaping the benefits of support groups.
When you attend a meeting, you aren’t required to say everything you’re feeling. In fact, it may take a couple of sessions before you feel comfortable enough to speak. But simply being there and listening can be beneficial and give you new ideas on how to approach your responsibilities.
Decide which group format is right for you.
There are many different groups to choose from, and finding the right group for you can make a huge difference. There isn’t a right or wrong answer as to what works best for you.
Some groups meet online, whereas others meet in person. There are also support groups for different caregiver relationships and caregivers caring for someone with a specific condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, cancer, or mental health conditions. Once you join a group, you’ll likely connect with others facing similar situations, many of whom may also be part of the sandwich generation.
Here are some ways to find the right fit:
- Look online: Websites like the Family Caregiver Alliance, Alzheimer’s Association, and your local community senior services website offer directories to help you find support groups tailored to specific caregiving situations.
- Check with your healthcare provider: Hospitals, senior centers, and community health organizations often host or have information about caregiver support groups. Ask your doctor, therapist, or local health department for recommendations.
- Visit local community centers: Many community centers offer caregiver support programs.
- Contact national organizations: If you’re caring for someone with a specific condition, organizations dedicated to those conditions often provide local and virtual support group options.
- Ask other caregivers: If you know others in similar caregiving roles, ask them if they’ve found helpful support groups. Word-of-mouth recommendations can often lead you to the most welcoming and helpful communities.
Keep an open mind.
When searching for the right support group, don’t be too quick to dismiss one just because it doesn’t perfectly match your situation. Although some groups may focus on specific caregiving roles or conditions, many of the challenges caregivers face—such as stress, financial strain, and responsibility management—are universal.
If a group doesn’t seem to perfectly align with your situation, reach out to the group’s organizer about the group’s focus, the types of discussions they have, and whether members have similar experiences. You may find that even if the group doesn’t completely match your situation, the support, advice, and sense of community it offers can still be valuable.
Don’t be afraid to try different groups.
It’s completely normal to try out a few different groups before you find one that’s the right fit for you. Every group has its own dynamic, and not every setting will be the perfect fit—and that’s OK.
If you try out a group and you don’t feel comfortable, remember that you haven’t failed—you may just need to find a different group that better matches your needs. The most important thing is to find a space where you feel supported, understood, and free to share your thoughts without judgment.
Bring Balance to Your Responsibilities
Being a sandwich generation caregiver can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone, and several resources are available to help you. Discover how to balance your responsibilities by downloading our guide, Caring for the Caregiver: How Members of the Sandwich Generation Can Care for Themselves While Caring for Loved Ones.
