Caregiving is a difficult task. It became much more stressful as isolation set in after the pandemic entered our communities. Most in-person resources and group meetings came to a screeching halt, leaving caregivers and support-givers scrambling to find ways to reach out and connect. Thankfully, our support resources found ways to connect virtually.
Everything is starting to open back up, and if you are a caregiver, your much-needed support system is also looking considerably promising.
Memory Care Support Groups in Round Rock/North Austin
Even though we are seeing the beginning of the end (of COVID-19), many of us are not freely gathering in-person just yet. As caregivers, you need a mental break! Support groups can help you in that respect.
Related: Activities for People with Dementia in Austin/Round Rock
We completed some research for you. These are the resources that we found in the local Round Rock/North Austin area:
AGE Caregiver Resources
We found several virtual support groups and in-person conferences on the AGE Caregiver Resources website.
Round Rock Caregiver’s Circle – Contact facilitator Barbara Wiederaenders at 512-451-0684 or email bwiederaenders@att.net.
Austin Caregiver’s Circle – Contact facilitator Barbara Wiederaenders at 512-451-0684 or email bwiederaenders@att.net.
Upcoming in-person conferences are also available, such as Striking a Balance in Austin, August 16-21, 2021, as well as the Williamson County Caregiver Conference, September 25, 2021. Follow the website AGE Caregiver Resources for more upcoming events.
If you have a Facebook account, we found several caregiver-focused support groups that came highly recommended by members. These groups are not local to Central Texas, but they can provide vital self-care help for you as you interact with other caregivers:
Dementia/Alzheimers Family Caregiver Support https://www.facebook.com/groups/1490883851158632
Dementia Caregivers Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1516449868588963
Community Resource Finder
We found one in-person Austin support group on this site, as well as a local virtual support group meeting that is held several times a month:
Caregiver Support Group Meeting: In-person at Twin Oaks Library, Austin, June 17, 2021 (link here)
Caregiver Support Group Meeting: Virtual Morning Cafe, Capital of Texas Chapter, held once or twice a month, July 13, 2021 (link here)
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter (located in the Austin area), a support group for both family and caregivers, call 512-592-0990.
Follow CommunityResourceFinder.org to find both in-person and virtual support meetings and events in the greater Austin area.
Self-Care is Vital to a Caregiver
If you do not take care of yourself, who is going to be the caregiver for your loved one?
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission reports, “Caregivers who don’t take some time for themselves have been found to develop chronic health problems at nearly twice the rate of non-caregivers. And as many as 70% of family caregivers experience depression and anxiety.”
We do not want you to fall into these statistics. Self-care is vital to your mental and physical well-being, and this includes finding a support system – a group of people that walk in similar caregiving shoes as you…people that share pain points as well as wins. Sharing is caring.
You do not have to be on this caregiving journey alone. Support can help to prevent burnout!
Learn more essential management steps for self-care on our blog Caregiver, Care for You First.
We Are Here to Help
We know that you want the best care for your loved one, and here at Sundara caring is what matters. Memory care is all we do…and we are really good at it. If you have questions, we can help! Contact us online or schedule a virtual tour online or by calling us at 512-399-5080.