Regardless of age, everybody needs some support now and then. This is especially true for older adults living with some of the challenges that tend to occur in the later years of life. A good starting point for seniors is to rely on family members and friends for support. But for times when additional resources are needed, there are specific types of support groups that could be beneficial for older adults. Five of them are discussed below.
1. Grief Support Groups
The loss of a spouse and other loved ones is a common occurrence later in life. If this is something your senior loved one is having a difficult time handling, a grief-based support group could be helpful for him or her. Oftentimes, it helps to simply have other people going through similar experiences to talk to. Check online or with your loved one’s church or community senior centre for support groups of this nature in the area. Grieving.com also provides access to similar resources.
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 elder care. InCasa Home Care Services is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Smoking Cessation Support Groups
According to Statistics Canada, more than half a million adults in Canada 65 and older smoke cigarettes on a regular basis. If this is a habit your loved one has been trying to kick without success, he or she may appreciate added support from a group of other adults with the same goal. Many cardiac rehabilitation centres and local hospitals offer access to support groups for this purpose. Quitting smoking offers a wide range of well-documented health benefits for seniors.
3. Chronic Disease/Condition Support Groups
Approximately 85 percent of seniors have at least one chronic condition. If your loved one is living with a chronic illness or condition, it could have a significant impact on his or her quality of life and mental health over time. There are both in-person and online-based support groups specific to many of the chronic health issues common among older adults, including ones for:
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic back pain
• Arthritis
Seniors may also benefit from groups that help older adults manage the physical and emotional issues associated with long-term illnesses or ailments. For instance, the Canadian Cancer Society provides access to an assortment of support resources for all aspects of cancer care, from initial diagnosis and treatment to remission and recovery.
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 manage if their families opt for professional in-home care. Edmonton families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
4. Dementia-Related Support Group
Dementia, whether it’s related to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or another type of brain impairment, can be emotionally overwhelming for older adults as it advances, especially when there’s still an awareness of what’s going on. The Alzheimer’s Association provides access to a broad range of support that includes in-person groups, message boards, and online communities. These resources are available to seniors with dementia and their caregivers.
5. Addiction Recovery Support Groups
Substance abuse among older adults is a growing health concern. Support groups specific to seniors recovering from addiction can help older adults stay motivated post-treatment and develop healthy, productive ways to handle stress and other possible addiction triggers.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care service. Edmonton families trust InCasa Home Care Services to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 587 609 6854.
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