Support Groups

I've never been a "joiner". And am not sure how much personal info I am comfortable discussing with strangers. Do these support groups really make a difference?

I have only gone to one support group meeting. It turned out to just be me, another woman and the registered nurse in charge. It was helpful and made it clear that I am not alone in my own situation with my elderly parents. I actually wished there were more participants who could express their own feelings and their own situations. It is only once a month, and I wish it was once a week! This is the first support group I have ever joined, but I feel it is so very much needed at this time. I decided I'd go to one meeting and if I didn't want to return, I wouldn't. This took all anxiety out of the picture. I am the kind of person that wants to open up to the "strangers" you talk about. I find it to be very informative and meaningful to me.

I did go to a support group many years ago -I think the leader was working on her degree for college and was very young but I did meet a lady whoses situation was very much like mine and she said something to me that made such a difference to me - it was only -you are manageing well and at that time I felt like a failure because I was not able to do all the things I needed to do but her words stuck with me and I managed to be easier on myself. She and I became good friends even tho her husband passed on and she moved to another state we remain good friends and she still picks me up whwn I am down by email or calls and we will still be able to get together probably. I am planning on starting at another support group when it starts in about a month. I have found this site a Godsend since I have been involved and if you Poppop stay on even if at first you only read the post you will be amazed at the caring men and women who contribuate and at times scold us and share and vent-I hope to hear more from you everyone has ideas-most hospitals have support groups and some offices of the aging do also.

Support groups are only as good as the people in them (just like online support groups). That said, those started by known organizations are good places to start. The problem, of course, with physical support groups is that it's hard for caregivers to find the time to go. We've had several quality groups start them in my area, only to have no one showing up (or too few). It isn't lack of interest, but lack of time.
Carol

My Mom had an emotional "meltdown" just before Christmas. It was so uncomfortable, irrational and inappropriate. My Mom has always put her emotions, needs and upsets in front of everyone else's needs. As she ages, she seems to get worse.

It was devestating for me to have to go through her "neediness" during what was should have been a really great evening with my son who had just come in from Munich for a visit. My son was amazed as well and my Mom never even apologized or acknowledged how incredibly uncomfortable she had made everyone in the room, with her demands that they make her feel better about her memory loss.

I have never liked my Mom but now I'm finding it even harder. I told her that she needed to take care of herself (Dr. or something, how about her husband??). She then said, why don't you take care of me?? Pretty amazing. She never took care of me....!

I would really appreciate a support group of some kind. Anyone with any information to pass on would be greatly appreciated.