Internet lends help with research, virtual support, advice at your fingertips

My column, “Sharing experiences can offer a lifeline to weary helpers,” resonated with readers last month, and a few have reached out to me.

I wanted to respond here to reader Tracy B., who wrote to me sharing her caregiver journey. She is seeking information on online support groups, resources and ideas on how to start a virtual caregiver group. Tracy has spent the past 10 years taking care of her mother alone, because she has no siblings or other family members to provide respite and/or assistance.

Tracy’s story is not unique in America. Many family caregivers have very little assistance from their family members. When they do receive help, it’s typically minimal, without providing any real respite for the caregiver.

Further amplifying the plight of many family caregivers, there are parts of the country that simply do not have community resources available locally.

That’s when online help becomes even more important.

Where to find trusted online resources

For caregivers, the search for resources and for ways to stay connected is happening in every city across the country. It’s been great to see so many organizations creating virtual events focusing on education and social connections. The same organizations have online libraries filled with trusted, reliable resources, with webinars, downloadable tools and forms, and research.

A word of caution: Please do your due diligence when researching sources and websites. Anyone can design a website and make their information look official. Ask trusted friends, your medical professionals and other caregivers where they go online to find caregiving solutions and caregiver support.