Are you a senior living with a chronic illness? If so, you may be looking for ways to cope with your condition. Support groups can be a great way to connect with others who understand what you're going through. Psychology Today hosts an online database of support groups, group therapy and other programs to support those with chronic diseases. The directory is location-based to make it easier to find programs near you.
Most support groups for older people are comprised of individuals who share a common interest or health problem. These socialization groups typically focus on a specific condition or situation and are often initiated by someone with the condition or by a family member. Pain Foundation, The Pain Connection, offers support through several free local and video programs. The website has a list of the in-person support groups it organizes around the country in Michigan, Massachusetts, Ohio, Iowa, California and more (and many also hold video conferences).
If there aren't any near you, you can contact them to create an ACPA support group in your community. The Mighty is a social network that offers support forums for people with a wide range of health problems (more than 600), including chronic pain and its associated conditions. MyChronicPainTeam is part of a network called MyHealthTeams that hosts online support forums for dozens of different health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, spondylitis, migraine, food allergies and irritable bowel syndrome. These communities are available online and through mobile apps with a free membership. Chronic Pain Anonymous (CPA) offers a 12-step program for living with chronic pain. It's similar to addiction programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, but the organizations aren't related.
The American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) organizes local support groups across the country. It currently has communities in most states that you can find in an easy-to-use list. Chronic pain support groups can meet in person, online, or by phone to provide emotional support, friendship, and possibly information about pain conditions, treatment, and strategies to manage them. To learn more about housing options for retirees and seniors, contact a senior lifestyle community near you.
