You do not have to carry caregiving alone. Here is exactly where to find a support group near you, in person or online, usually at no cost.
How do I find a caregiver support group near me?
Use three trusted starting points. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 (or visit eldercare.acl.gov) to reach your local Area Agency on Aging, which keeps current lists of nearby groups. For dementia or Alzheimer's caregiving, call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900. For online groups you can join from home, try the Family Caregiver Alliance, Caregiver Action Network, and AARP's caregiving community. Hospitals, senior centers, and faith communities frequently host meetings too. If you are unsure which fits, call 1-800-MEDIGAP and we will help you find the right group.
In-person vs. online caregiver support groups
In-person groups offer face-to-face connection and are often hosted by hospitals, senior centers, or disease organizations near you. Online groups — forums, video meetings, and apps — let you participate at any hour without leaving the person you care for, which matters when respite is hard to arrange. Many caregivers use both. Disease-specific groups (dementia, Parkinson's, cancer, stroke) connect you with people facing the same challenges, while general caregiver groups cover shared issues like burnout, benefits, and family stress.
Are caregiver support groups confidential and free?
Almost all caregiver support groups are free, and reputable groups keep discussions confidential so you can speak openly. Groups funded through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Alzheimer's Association, and Area Agencies on Aging charge nothing and require no income test. You will never be asked to buy anything to attend. If a group ever pressures you to purchase a product, treat that as a red flag and look elsewhere.