Get support anywhere, anytime
One way for caregivers to get support and information is through an online support group. On Facebook, there are many groups dedicated to families who are caring for older adults.
These groups are completely free and allow you to get support, vent, or ask questions anytime, day or night. If you use a smartphone, you can participate no matter where you are.
Memory PeopleTM on Facebook
Memory People (MP) is one of our favorites. It's a warm, welcoming Facebook community for families affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s a closed (private) group that’s 16,000+ members strong.
If you’re not a member of the group, you can only see the public posts from founder Rick Phelps. After you join, you'll see the constant flow of posts and conversations related to caring for someone with dementia.
Rick has early-onset Alzheimer’s and was diagnosed when he was 57 years old. His goals are to share his personal experience with Alzheimer’s, raise awareness, and create a place where people can support each other.
Members really understand what each other are going through because almost everyone is caring for someone with dementia (or has dementia themselves). Some even feel the MP community is a second family that understands and supports them better than their own family and friends!
It only takes 2 steps to join Memory People
First, sign in to your Facebook account. If you don’t already have an account, it’s easy to set one up. Here are tips on signing up.
Next, go to the Memory People Closed Group on Facebook. Because it's a closed group, you need to request to join. Just click the Join button near the top of the page to send a request to the group administrators. Once you’re a member, you should receive a friendly welcome message that tells you more about the group.
DailyCaring Tip: Be sure to look for the Memory People Closed Group. The private group is different from the Memory People Page, which is public.
Only the MP community sees your posts and comments
You can feel safe posting or commenting in Memory People because it’s a closed group.
Your posts on the Memory People page will only be seen by other members of the MP community and won’t be shown on your personal Facebook page.
Bottom line
Talking with other people who are on the same caregiving journey can be incredibly helpful and therapeutic. Joining a larger community is a way to know that you’re not on this journey alone.
Plus, you can ask practical questions and get tried-and-true tips on how to deal with difficult real-life caregiving situations.
You might also like:
— Dementia Caregiver with 7+ Years of Experience Shares Words of Wisdom
— What Happens at a Caregiver Support Group Meeting?
— Caregiver Stress: Are You in Denial?
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Google Images
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About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
who do I talk to on line about my husband …he is in early stages of Alzheimer’s and I have a problem with his temper he gets so moody and gets mad at me and if I try to talk to him it is all my fault ….I try to keep my cool but believe me it is so hard to do.
He takes meds for his depression but I can’t seem to calm him down…..
He doesn’t think there is anything wrong with him and it is all me and if I bring up Alzheimer’s he gets mad or seeing a doctor is out of the question…
I would like advice from someone so please tell me who to contact ..Going to meeting is out because he wants to go everywhere with me and if I go for a long period of time he is calling me wanting to know where I am …..Help
Online caregiver support groups are a great option if you aren’t able to get out of the house. And during the pandemic, it’s a safer option. Plus, they’re available 24/7, anytime you have a moment.
In addition to Memory People, here are additional online options – 11 Private Support Groups for Caregivers on Facebook https://dailycaring.com/support-groups-for-caregivers-on-facebook/
And before your husband’s next regular doctor’s appointment, you may want to contact the doctor’s office and speak with them about your specific concerns. Ask them to bring up any concerns or examine him for any possible health issues without your involvement so from his perspective, this will come from the doctor, not from you.
I would disagree with CH. Most all groups that are successful are successful because they are run by people with experience, real experience, not book learning. AA, NA, Weightwatchers, Alanon, Naranon are not run by professionals, but have been around for decades. Why? Because they’re run by people who have walked the walk. Memory People is one of those support groups you should look into, especially if you can’t or don’t want to leave your home.
That’s a great point. Many caregivers appreciate getting support from others who have “been there” and fully understand the experience.
Is there a Support Group for a person with Early Onset Alzheimer’s on Facebook
Memory People does have members who have early-onset Alzheimer’s. It was also founded and being run by a man with EOAD, Rick Phelps. He often posts messages and longer written pieces. We’ve also got a longer list of private dementia-focused support groups on Facebook — http://dailycaring.com/11-caregiver-support-groups-on-facebook-youll-want-to-join/ These groups also have people who have dementia. To find these folks, you may want to write a post after joining that asks if there are people with EOAD out there. I’m sure you’ll get many many responses.
I would not recommend this group if you are looking for support. It is not monitored by someone with credentials in the health field and admin reactions to member posts is knee-jerk and unprofessional at best. Look for a support group that your health insurance recommends or through hospice and forget this Facebook group.
The admins in the Memory People group are not healthcare professionals, but they are people who are or have been caregivers to someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It’s a place to get support from fellow caregivers — people who understand what you’re going through because they’re going through it themselves. The practical advice and ideas you can get from other caregivers who have been through similar situations is very helpful for solving those everyday problems that healthcare professionals might not be familiar with.
In person support groups run by healthcare organizations or groups like Alzheimer’s Association are an excellent way to get support, but these are not always realistic options for everyone. Some caregivers can’t get out of the house on a regular basis or can’t find a support group in their local area. This is where online groups shine — anyone can get support no matter where they live. And there are often people online at all hours of the day or night.
Every support group is different, so we encourage people to try a few groups to find the one that is most helpful for them.
My husband is at the last stage of Alzheimers. He is still eating and drinking and has a good appetite. He will eat anything you give him. ( soft Food) But about two weeks ago he started clearing his throat and acts like he has a hard time doing it and makes a loud noise. Another thing he is continusly trying to yawn. Most of the time he can not finish the yawn and I noticed today when he try’s to yawn and can’t complete it he starts shaking real bad. What would be going on with this. Is it a normal process with this late stage.
Hi Joan — It’s great that your husband still has a good appetite, but swallowing issues can be quite a scary experience for both of you. In late stage Alzheimer’s, some people begin to lose the ability to swallow. The best thing to do is talk with his doctor. Let the doctor know what’s been happening and see if they have any thoughts on what’s causing this or advice to improve the situation. Perhaps there are certain types of foods that will be easier to swallow than others? Let us know if you have other questions, we’re always here to help. Best, Connie