I’d like to think that most of these men would eventually find that a mixed group is satisfactory, but people rendered emotionally fragile by the stress of long-term caregiving should be offered the most helpful type of support possible. If that means that more men-only support groups need to be made available, so be it. Spouses of either gender can also find significant support by going online to the Well Spouse Association. This approach may help some men who simply won’t attend an in-person support group.

The bottom line is that with increasing numbers of men becoming caregivers, Alzheimer’s organizations and others who set up support groups need to look into male-only groups, at least for starters. As relatives and friends of male caregivers, we too need to offer our support and understanding. In today’s world, caregiving and caregiving support is no longer just female territory. 

For more information about Carol visit  www.mindingourelders.com or www.mindingoureldersblogs.com. 

Sources:

Lade, D.C. (2013, May 2) Guys who care: Male caregivers need special support. Sun-Sentinal.com. Retrieved from http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/fl-male-caregivers-increase-20130501,0,2828472.story

Ginzlor, E. (2010, July) Caregiving: It’s Different for Men. AARP. Retrieved from http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-07-2010/ginzler-male-caregivers.html

Thompson, D. (2011, June 13) Alzheimer's: A Woman's Disease? Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia than men — but why? Everyday Health. Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/alzheimers-and-gender.aspx