Navigating Caregiving: The Power of Four Types of Social Support for Family Caregivers

When you're caregiving at home, receiving effective support from others can make the difference between a bad day and an okay day. Whether you are already part of a support group, or looking to create one, social support comes in various forms with varying benefits. Let's explore four key types of social support — emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal — and uncover how they can boost your resilience. 

1. Emotional Support:

As a family caregiver, emotional support is vital. It involves expressions of empathy, care, and understanding. Whether it's a comforting hug or a heartfelt conversation, emotional support provides a sense of camaraderie. Insights emphasize the positive impact of emotional support on caregiving satisfaction, highlighting the importance of creating a space where caregivers feel heard and validated.

Script tip: “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I am here for you. Take your time. I’m here to listen whenever you are ready to talk.” 

2. Instrumental Support:

Tangible aid and practical assistance characterize instrumental support — another crucial element for family caregivers. This aligns with an emphasis on taking active steps to help manage caregiving challenges. In a caregiver support group, tangible support may manifest through collaborative efforts to assist with daily tasks. Striking the right balance of instrumental support ensures its positive contribution to stress management without becoming overwhelming. 

Script tip: "I know you have a lot on your plate right now, so I'll take care of grocery shopping (or house cleaning, etc.) for you this week if that would make things easier."

3. Informational Support:

As a family caregiver, access to information is key. Informational support involves advice, suggestions, and sharing relevant knowledge. Caregiver support groups serve as valuable sources of informational support, where members can exchange insights, provide guidance, and share facts related to caregiving challenges. Informational support empowers caregivers to make informed decisions and enhances their overall caregiving knowledge.

Script tip: "I came across some articles about the medications you're considering for your loved one, and I thought you might find them helpful,"

4. Appraisal Support:

Appraisal support, offering information useful for self-evaluation, is also essential for family caregivers. In the context of caregiving support groups, this aligns with research on recognizing one’s strengths. Group members can remind each other of their resilience and abilities to navigate the complexities of caregiving, fostering a positive mindset within the group and contributing to a healthy self-assessment.

Script tip: "I've noticed how dedicated and patient you are in caring for your loved one. Your commitment to their well-being is truly remarkable, and you've handled challenging situations with grace and compassion."

Optimizing Social Support

Experts stress the importance of receiving the right type of support when needed. Understanding individual preferences within a caregiver support group context is crucial. Too much or too little informational support can impact mood. Finding the right balance and being receptive to members' preferences contribute to a positive and effective support dynamic. Caregiver support groups can play a pivotal role in providing this balance.

Preventing Negative Experiences

As the right type of support is beneficial, the wrong type of support can lead to negative outcomes. This emphasizes the need for active listening, open communication, and clear guidelines. In formal support group settings, a moderator is beneficial where open dialogue about members' needs and preferences can prevent misunderstandings and foster a supportive atmosphere.  

Expanding Support

You may at first experience a lack of social support as a family caregiver. Don’t give up. By actively seeking out those who can provide caregiver-specific support and communicating your needs, you will expand your social circle. It may not happen at first, but if you stick with it, you can create the support system you need. As you find support, think about the ways you can reflect kindness back to those in your group. In the process, your deepening awareness will enhance your caregiving experiences, nurturing a culture of understanding, empathy, and collective resilience.

Beyond late-night searches for “caregiver support group near me,” it’s important to cultivate the community that you need. If friends and family have scattered to the winds, or, if you are feeling isolated due to other life circumstances, finding support can feel impossible. Trust that there is always an option, it just might take some creative thinking to find what you seek. Below are two free resource for building your own support group:

Lotsa Helping Hands - This service brings together caregivers and volunteers through online Communities that organize daily life during times of medical crisis or caregiver exhaustion in neighborhoods and communities worldwide.
Healing Circles Global - Healing Circles Global is a nonprofit whose vision is to provide positive social support to anyone who asks for it. This takes place in small circles built on a framework that brings out the best in people.

What’s your preferred type of support as a family caregiver? Comment below or send us an email, we read every reply.