8-Week Caregiver Support Group
Group Type: Open (join any week)
Duration: Weekly 90-minute sessions
Format: In-person or virtual
Facilitator: Licensed counselor or trained support leader
Group Objectives:
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Normalize the emotional and physical challenges of caregiving
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Provide practical coping skills and self-care strategies
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Foster peer support and reduce isolation
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Share resources and problem-solving techniques
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Promote resilience and balance
Weekly Structure (Consistent Format)
0:00–0:10
Welcome, check-in, group agreements
0:10–0:20
Mindfulness or grounding exercise
0:20–1:10
Topic discussion and sharing
1:10–1:20
Reflection, wrap-up, and intentions
8-Week Outline: Weekly Themes
Week 1 – Introductions & The Caregiver Journey
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Group norms and confidentiality
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Share caregiving experiences and challenges
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Discuss emotional impact and personal goals
Week 2 – Managing Stress & Preventing Burnout
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Recognize signs of caregiver burnout
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Stress management tools (breathing, relaxation)
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Time management and prioritization
Week 3 – Boundaries & Saying No
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Importance of setting boundaries with loved ones and others
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Strategies to say “no” without guilt
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Role-playing boundary-setting scenarios
Week 4 – Self-Care & Finding Balance
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Defining self-care beyond the basics
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Creative and practical self-care ideas
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Developing a personalized self-care plan
Week 5 – Communication Skills & Advocacy
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Effective communication with healthcare providers and family
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Assertiveness training
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Advocating for the care recipient and self
Week 6 – Navigating Emotional Challenges
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Coping with grief, guilt, anger, and frustration
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Emotional regulation techniques
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Sharing and validating feelings
Week 7 – Resources & Support Systems
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Identifying community, financial, and social resources
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Building a support network
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How to ask for help
Week 8 – Reflection, Celebration & Moving Forward
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Reflect on growth and learning
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Share successes and ongoing challenges
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Plan for continued support and self-care