Finding Comfort in Community: 20+ Support Groups that Help Patients and Families

Members of a breast cancer support group stand showing support

If you or a loved one are living with a serious illness, you may have experienced feeling overwhelmed or isolated by all of the bumps in the road. Just know that while you may feel alone at times (even in the company of your loved ones), you’re not. There are lots of other people going through similar experiences and feeling the same way.   

That’s why many disease-specific organizations offer support groups, to help people to connect, share what’s going on, and find comfort in the community. (You never know who you are going to meet! You may just meet a friend you’ll stay in touch with for years to come.)  

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, going through treatment, or supporting a loved one, support groups are key. Speaking with others who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference in how you’re feeling emotionally. 

These Organizations Offer Support Groups for People with Serious Illness and Their Loved Ones   

While there are many nonprofit organizations that offer support to people with serious illness, we’ve rounded up over twenty below, which welcome people facing many different types of serious illness, and their loved ones.  

Though the above resources are for patients and caregivers, we’ve separated dedicated caregiving support groups below.  

  • AARP Family Caregiving offers a private Facebook group, where caregivers can connect, share practical tips, offer support, and more 
  • Caregiver Action Network offers a private Facebook group for caregivers of all backgrounds peer support, and other resources for people across the country 
  • CaringKind provides caregivers with the opportunity to discuss the challenges of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with multiple support groups, that are offered virtually and in-person
  • Family Caregiver Alliance offers various online and in-person support groups, in addition to other resources to locate programs and services in their area  
  • SmartPatients offers over 100 online communities where patients and caregivers can connect and learn from others living with similar serious illnesses 
  • WellSpouse Association offers support for spouses and partners of people who are chronically ill or disabled, through online and in-person support groups, 24-7 online support, events, and more 

Talk to Your Palliative Care Team 

If you are already receiving palliative care  and feel like you could use some extra support, talk to your care team. It’s important for them to know this so they can provide the most robust care possible. Also, they may know of different support groups or events in the local community. If you are not receiving palliative care, speak to your doctor (e.g., oncologist) or medical team. They can refer you so you can get an extra layer of support.

What is Palliative Care? 

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists who work together with your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments. 

To learn more about palliative care and how it can help, explore more of GetPalliativeCare.org. You’ll find helpful resources, including a quick quiz to see if palliative care might be right for you or your loved one. 

 

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