When you’re caring for a parent, spouse, or other loved one, much of your day can revolve around what they need. You’re keeping track of appointments, answering the same questions, and making decisions that can feel hard to explain to people who haven’t been there. Sometimes it helps to spend an hour with someone who understands why a small change in the morning routine can affect the whole day.
At Still Waters Adult Day Center, we host a free, in-person caregiver support group in Indianapolis for anyone caring for an aging loved one. That includes family caregivers supporting someone with Alzheimer’s disease, another form of dementia, or other age-related care needs.
What can you gain from a caregiver support group?
Practical ideas from people who have been there. You might hear how another caregiver handles repeated questions, makes mornings less stressful, or asks family members for specific help. Someone who has faced a similar situation may give you an idea you can try at home that week.
A place to talk honestly about how you’re doing. You can love someone deeply and still feel tired, frustrated, or unsure what to do next. In a caregiver group, you can talk about a hard morning, share a small win, or simply listen. Sometimes hearing someone say, “That happens at our house, too,” is what you needed that day.
Help thinking through the next step. It can be hard to know when to ask for more help or what kind of support would fit your family. The group gives you a place to talk through those questions and hear what others have learned about sharing responsibilities, finding respite, or making changes as care needs grow.
Connection you can come back to. Caregiving can make it hard to keep plans or see friends regularly. A group that meets twice a month gives you a familiar place to check in with people who understand what you’re carrying.
When and where does the Indianapolis caregiver support group meet?
When — The second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Where — The Legacy Room at Castleton United Methodist Church in northeast Indianapolis. Enter through the main sanctuary doors.
Cost — Free.
Registration — Just drop in. No registration is required.
What if I’m nervous about coming for the first time?
You’re welcome to come and listen. If you’d like to share, you can start with whatever is on your mind that morning. Maybe you’re adjusting to a recent diagnosis, wondering how to get your siblings more involved, or trying to figure out how to take a break. You can come at any point in your caregiving journey.
Join us for an upcoming Wednesday meeting. For questions or directions, call Still Waters Adult Day Center at 317-284-0837 or visit our caregiver support page.
