Connecticut,TBI, ABI, Brain, Injury, CT, Helpful and useful resources links / BIAC / ALLIED / COMMUNITY / RESOURCES / ILST / ACCESS / CCCI / WCAAA / DSS / DMHAS / CTbrainINJURY / ABI WAIVER PROGRAM Would you please take a moment to help a great cause and an amazing group of people Connecticut Brain Injury Alliance WAYS TO DONATE Make your donation to BIAC today and you’ll be providing vital resources and support to those who need it most. Brain injury survivors, family members and caregivers throughout Connecticut will have someone they can reach out to when they need help or they feel alone. You’ll also be providing important brain injury prevention and education to children and adults across the state. SADAUKARWA Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut BIAC Brain INJURY TBI Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI Allied Connecticut Brain Injury TBI BIAC Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ABI CT Connecticut Brain Injury TBI ALLIED Show More

Other areas of healthcare technology that are showing promise include telemedicine, genomics, and digital therapeutics. ABI Resources Connecticut home based supported living and community care Examples include primary-care visits via telehealth, self-administered dialysis at home, and skilled nursing-facility services at home with remote patient monitoring and support for activities of daily living. The future of home healthcare technology is indeed exciting, with many new and innovative solutions being developed. The use of artificial intelligence and robotics have the potential to revolutionize home healthcare by improving outcomes and making home healthcare more efficient and cost-effective. Resources can be used to monitor patients remotely, assist with physical therapy, and provide medication reminders. Additionally, ABI Resources can analyze data to support the identification of potential health risks and support the informed treatment of decisions. Other areas of healthcare technology that are showing promise include telemedicine, genomics, and digital therapeutics. However, it's also important to note that implementing new technology should be done in a way that prioritizes safety and well-being, as well as data privacy and security. It's important to note that the implementation of these resources will require careful planning and consideration of ethical and privacy concerns. ABI Resources Connecticut home based supported living and community care. ABI Resources works with multiple organizations, including DSS, DMHAS, WWP, CCC, CCCI, SWCAA, WCAAA, Allied, Yale, UConn, Gaylord, HFSC, and more to provide the best care for individuals.

Connecticut Short-Term / Long-Term Care Rehabilitation Support Services - Adolescent Teen Adult Senior Elder Brain Injury Stroke Tumor TBI ABI Mental Health Short Term Rehab CT | Long MAKE AN ONLINE REFERRAL Short-Term / Long-Term Home Care and Rehabilitation STATEWIDE SERVICES HelpLine 1-860-942-0365 Connect with a Certified Specialist who provides individual support and guidance for People, Family members, Caregivers, Educators, and Medical and Therapeutic professionals. Referral Online Form

Apply - The Connecticut What are housing choice vouchers? The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very-low-income families to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Participants are able to find their own housing, including apartments, townho Nemo matsuguni masu dacewa na iya zama tsari mai rikitarwa ga mutanen da ke da nakasa, gami da waɗanda suka sami raunin kwakwalwa. A cikin Connecticut, Hukumomin Gidajen Jama'a da yawa (PHAs) suna ba da zaɓuɓɓuka iri-iri. Albarkatun ABI, babban mai ba da sabis na tallafi na nakasa don Shirin Waiver Raunin Kwakwalwa Samun Medicaid, an sadaukar da shi don taimaka wa abokan ciniki wajen kewaya waɗannan zaɓuɓɓukan yadda ya kamata. ; Bayanin Hukumomin Gidajen Jama'a na Connecticut: Connecticut tana alfahari da ɗimbin Hukumomin Gidajen Jama'a (PHAs) waɗanda aka sadaukar don ba da mafita na gidaje masu araha. Waɗannan hukumomin sun yi nisa daga Ansonia zuwa Windsor Locks, kowanne yana ba da dama ta musamman ga mazauna wurin samun matsuguni masu dacewa waɗanda suka dace da takamaiman bukatunsu. Kamfanin ABI Resources ya himmatu wajen samar da hanyoyin samun wadannan muhimman albarkatu, tare da tabbatar da cewa nakasassu sun sami tallafin da suke bukata don nema ga hukumar ta garinsu. ; Muhimman Matakai don Neman Gidajen Jama'a a Connecticut: Zaɓi Hukumar Kula da Gidajen Garinku: Tare da cikakken jerin Hukumomin Gidajen Jama'a na Connecticut, gami da amma ba'a iyakance ga Hukumar Gidajen Gidajen Bridgeport ba, Hukumar Gidajen New Haven, da Hukumar Gidajen Stamford, yana da mahimmanci don fara aiwatar da aikace-aikacenku ta zaɓin hukumar da ke hidimar ku. unguwa. ; Fahimtar Tsarin Aikace-aikacen: Kowace Hukumar Gidaje tana da tsarin aikace-aikacen ta. ABI Resources yana ba da ƙwarewa wajen fahimtar waɗannan hanyoyin, yin aikace-aikacen a matsayin maras kyau kamar yadda zai yiwu ga abokan cinikinmu. ; Yin Amfani da Sashen Gidajen Connecticut: Don ƙarin tallafi da albarkatu, Sashen Gidajen Connecticut yana taka muhimmiyar rawa wajen ba da jagora da taimako ga daidaikun mutane waɗanda ke neman kewaya tsarin gidaje na jama'a. Sabis na Tallafawa Keɓaɓɓen: Abubuwan ABI suna ba da sabis na tallafi na keɓaɓɓu, yana tabbatar da cewa mutane masu nakasa, gami da waɗanda ke ƙarƙashin Tsarin Rauni na Ƙwaƙwalwar Kwakwalwa da Medicaid ke Samu, sun sami ingantaccen taimakon da suke buƙata don amintaccen gidaje. ; Ayyukanmu a Albarkatun ABI ya baiwa abokan ciniki da yawa damar samun nasarar yin amfani da gidaje ta hanyar hukumomi daban-daban kamar Hartford Housing Authority da Norwalk Housing Authority. Waɗannan labarun nasara sun nuna mahimmancin tallafi na musamman don kewaya tsarin aikace-aikacen gidaje na jama'a. ; ; Kewaya shimfidar gidaje na jama'a a Connecticut na iya zama mai ban tsoro, musamman ga masu nakasa. Albarkatun ABI tana tsaye azaman fitilar tallafi, tana ba da jagorar ƙwararru da ayyuka na keɓance don tabbatar da abokan cinikinmu za su sami wurin da za su iya kiran gida. Ta yin aiki kafada da kafada da Hukumomin Gidajen Jama'a na Connecticut, muna ƙoƙarin samar da gidaje ga kowa da kowa, ba tare da la'akari da ƙalubalen su ba. ; Tuntube Mu: Don ƙarin bayani kan yadda albarkatun ABI za su iya taimaka muku ko waɗanda kuke ƙauna don tabbatar da gidajen jama'a a Connecticut, da fatan za a tuntuɓe mu. Ƙwararrun ƙwararrunmu a shirye suke don ba da tallafi da jagorar da kuke buƙata kowane mataki na hanya.

ABI Resources provides quality Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services to individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) in Connecticut. Our compassionate and experienced PCAs offer customized care plans that promote independence and maximize quality of life. Trust us to provide the highes CT PCA PERSONAL CARE CONNECTICUT ALLIED CT PCA PERSONAL CARE CONNECTICUT CT PCA PERSONAL CARE CONNECTICUT CT PCA PERSONAL CARE CONNECTICUT ALLIED 1/6 APPLY HERE The Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program provides personal care assistance (attendant) for adults aged 18 to 64 with chronic, severe, and permanent disabilities. This program allows the adult to remain at home instead of institutionalization (placement in a long-term care facility, nursing home, etc.). A personal care attendant (PCA) is hired to assist you in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) and staying at home. There is a waiting list for acceptance into this program. Eligibility for PCA is a two-part process: Part 1: Functionally, you must need these services. Specifically, you must physically demonstrate that you need hands-on assistance in performing 3 of the seven core Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These ADLs are outlined below: Bathing – need help bathing yourself properly? Dressing – need help getting dressed appropriately? Eating/Feeding – need help feeding yourself properly? (This does not mean making or preparing meals.) Toileting – need help going to/from the toilet and adequately cleaning yourself afterward? Transfer – need help safely transferring in and out of chairs/bed? Medication – need help preparing and taking your daily medicines? Behavioral – need daily supervision to keep from harming yourself or others? Part 2: Financially, you must have qualified for Medicaid by the time you receive services. You don’t have to be within the financial limits of Medicaid while on the waiting list for PCA (see below), but you must have applied and qualified for Medicaid by the time your name comes up on the waiting list. Personal care assistants, also known as PCAs, are an important part of the healthcare industry. They provide in-home care for individuals who need help with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. PCAs work one-on-one with clients, helping them to maintain their independence and live as comfortably as possible. There are many personal care assistant jobs available across the country, and they can be a great career choice for those who are compassionate, patient, and dedicated to helping others. To become a personal care assistant, candidates must go through a thorough interview process and may be required to pass a drug screen. In conclusion, personal care assistants play an important role in the healthcare industry, providing in-home care for individuals who need help with daily living activities. Personal care assistant jobs are available across the country and can be a great career choice for those who are compassionate, patient, and dedicated to helping others. To become a personal care assistant, candidates must go through a thorough interview process, pass a drug screen, and submit a resume.

People living with a brain injury are often manipulated, treated unfairly, forced to do things that they do not want to do, mislead and or neglected. Samfuran Ƙorafi da albarkatu If this an emergency call 911 HelpLine 860 942-0365 Below you will find a list of some of ways that you may file complaints through Connecticut and The United States of America. Many people file complaints with all of these agencies. STATE ... Click here to Walk-in Locations to file a Discrimination on Disability complaint form. They will help you file a complaint form on site. Connecticut may not have an online complaint form. FEDERAL ... The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' complaint referral service. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' complaint referral service is designed to help place you in contact with the appropriate office for obtaining information about the complaint process. In addition to providing information specific to your situation, the referred office will be able to further assist you in the event you decide to initiate a discrimination complaint. 1-800-552-6843 (202) 376-8513 1-800-877-8339 ( Hearing Impaired ) E-Mail: referrals@usccr.gov FEDERAL ... The Civil Rights Division is the primary institution within the federal government responsible for enforcing federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis disability. 202-514-4609 (voice) 202-514-0716 (TDD) FEDERAL ... Americans with Disabilities Act 800-514-0301 (voice) 800-514-0383 (TTY) (also in Spanish) FEDERAL ... Click here to File an ADA complaint online - Americans with Disabilities Act Discrimination Complaint Form FEDERAL ... Click here to Print and Fax an Americans with Disabilities Act Discrimination Complaint Form (202) 307-1197 Fax Number SCHOOLING FEDERAL ... Click here to Email a Complaint - Educational Opportunities Section enforces federal laws that protect students with Disabilities. File a Complaint by phone (202) 514-4092 1-877-292-3804 (toll-free) FEDERAL ... Click here to File an Online Complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights 1-800-421-3481 1-800-877-8339 ( TDD ) FAX: 202-453-6012 Email: OCR@ed.gov LEGAL POLICIES AND DISCLAIMERS Thank you for visiting ABI Resources website. Provided below are the legal policies and disclaimers for users of this site. These policies and disclaimers apply only to ABI Resources site. Therefore, once you link to another site, you are subject to the policies of the new site. LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES The information posted on ABI Resources website includes hypertext links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and/or private organizations. ABI Resources provides these links and pointers solely for your information and convenience. When you select a link to an outside website, you are subject to the privacy, copyright, security, and information quality policies of that website. ABI Resources: DOES NOT control or guarantee the accuracy, legality, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of information contained on a linked website; DOES NOT endorse linked websites, the views they express, or the products/services they offer; CANNOT authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked websites; IS NOT responsible for transmissions users receive from linked websites; DOES NOT guarantee that outside websites comply with the accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Links to non-federal government sites will either appear on a page notifying you that the sites are not controlled by ABI Resources, or you will receive an intercepting (redirect) page indicating that you are leaving the ABI Resources site when you access such a link. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY AND ENDORSEMENT While ABI Resources strives to make the information on this website as timely and accurate as possible, ABI Resources makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this site, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this site. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed, or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or freedom from computer virus, is given with respect to the contents of this website or its links to other Internet resources. The information appearing on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice to any individual or entity. We urge you to consult with your own legal advisor before taking any action based on information appearing on this site or any site to which it may be linked. At times ABI Resources is required, because of a legal requirement such as the Freedom of Information Act or a court order, to post documents generated by third parties that may contain offensive, defamatory, or misleading or otherwise inappropriate content. ABI Resources disclaims responsibility for the content of these documents. Reference in this site to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by ABI Resources.

Connecticut Short-Term / Long-Term Care Rehabilitation Support Services - Adolescent Teen Adult Senior Elder Brain Injury Stroke Tumor TBI ABI Mental Health Short Term Rehab CT | Long Term Home Care Facility CT Alzheimer's Dementia Care, Behavioral, Special Education MAKE AN ONLINE REFERRAL Short-Term / Long-Term Home Care and Rehabilitation STATEWIDE SERVICES HelpLine 1-860-942-0365 Connect with a Certified Specialist who provides individual support and guidance for People, Family members, Caregivers, Educators, and Medical and Therapeutic professionals. Referral Online Form

BINGO | ABI RESOURCES SOCIAL GROUPS AND EVENTS | CONNECTICUT SOCIAL GROUPS AND EVENTS ABI Resources Social Center | Gales Ferry 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ABI Resources provides employment and support for individuals with brain injuries in Connecticut. Our services include ILST, PCA, companion, DSP, RA, and homemaker to aid in recovery and daily living. Contact us to learn more about our brain injury programs. We are looking for the best of the best! APPLY HERE An amazing opportunity to be a part of something much greater than ourselves, helping people become the best version of themselves. These positions are very proactive, progressive and results-driven. Requirements: One / Two years of health care experience. Experience administering behavioral treatment and care plans. Valid driver's license and car. Super time management and organizational consistency. Great Smart-Phone and Tablet skills Background Check and Drug Testing - Before Hire Dress Code adherence We require the Highest Standards of Care and Accountability. Experience helping people recover from: Strokes Concussions ABI acquired brain injury TBI traumatic brain injury Tumer Within community settings Team members support people with: Safety Organization skills Medical and therapeutic rehab homework. Medication reminders Social entertainment Find meaningful employment Money management Social skills All categories and activities daily life. Information: EOE STATEMENT: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Purpose: Independent Living Skills Instructors provide necessary instruction to clients so as to assist them with maintaining their independence and safety in the community. Duties: 1. Prepare teaching material for Independent Living skills Training and Support Service sessions. 2. Schedule client session time and programming according to their Individual Service Plan and the training domains. 3. See individual clients in their home to train, teach and provide support in: money management, nutrition, cooking, comparison shopping, emergency procedures, community awareness, mobility, laundry procedures, household management, sex/public health education, medical procedures, counseling and crisis intervention, and housing. 4. Provide training in rations determined by current care plan, and in accordance with the least restrictive environment philosophy (1:1 staff: client ratio, unless otherwise specified). 5. Coordinate client training programs with other programs with which they are involved. 6. Complete daily activity report documenting direct hours spent with clients and submit to other Team Members such as supervisor(s) on the first day of the following month. 7. Keep client files up to date. 8. Assist client in coordinating with other programs, services and benefit systems, such as Social Security, AFDC, WIC, food stamps, counseling, etc. 9. Attend monthly staff meetings, and monthly individual meetings with Team Members. 10. Participate in Inter-Disciplinary Team meetings as requested. 11. Other Duties as assigned. ILST JOBS IN CT occupation profession trade position career work line of work livelihood post situation appointment métier craft vocation calling vacancy opening work living employment business vocation ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI R ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI Resources Home-based supported living and community care. Providing disability support services across Connecticut. Acquired brain injury ABI, Traumatic brain injury TBI, Stroke Work with DSS DMHAS ccc ccci swcaa wcaaa allied. Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provider. Employment Jobs CT Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tol ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI R ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI Resources Home-based supported living and community care. Providing disability support services across Connecticut. Acquired brain injury ABI, Traumatic brain injury TBI, Stroke Work with DSS DMHAS ccc ccci swcaa wcaaa allied. Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provider. Employment Jobs CT Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tol ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI R ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI Resources Home-based supported living and community care. Providing disability support services across Connecticut. Acquired brain injury ABI, Traumatic brain injury TBI, Stroke Work with DSS DMHAS ccc ccci swcaa wcaaa allied. Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provider. Employment Jobs CT Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tol ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI R ILST Independent Life Skills Trainer | ABI Resources Connecticut https://www.ctbraininjury.com ABI Resources Home-based supported living and community care. Providing disability support services across Connecticut. Acquired brain injury ABI, Traumatic brain injury TBI, Stroke Work with DSS DMHAS ccc ccci swcaa wcaaa allied. Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provider. Employment Jobs CT Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tol 1/55

EASY! APPLY FOR CONNECTICUT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ( STATE ) Connecticut. Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) HUSKY Healthcare (SCHIP) Head Start. Medicaid. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SHIRIN TAIMAKA REFERRALS MEDICAID - APPLY FOR MEDICAID - RENEWAL MFP PROGRAM ABI WAIVER SHIRIN DMHAS - BRAIN INJURY PROGRAM SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Supplemental Security Income SSI FOOD ASSISTANCE - SNAP CASH ASSISTANCE HEATING ASSISTANCE SHIRIN TAIMAKON MAKARANTA CBT THERAPSIT LIST KUNGIYOYIN SHAWARAR KAI FOOD - HARTFORD TOLLAND ABINCI - CONNECTICUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE State Health Insurance Zaɓin Farko na Al'umma (CFC) MANYAN - CT Shirin Kula da Gida Rental Assistance Program (RAP) HOUSING ( Section 8 ) BENIFIT FINDER

Explore the differences in home health care services in Connecticut, USA. Find the best options for your loved ones with our comprehensive comparison. There are many benefits to home healthcare most importantly it allows a person to stay home instead of relocating to a facility. Depending on a person's needs, home health care can consist of medical care like wound care and non-medical care like help with bathing or meal preparation. Different Types of Home HealthCare. There are two primary types of home health care: Medical Care. This type of home health care—often called skilled care—is provided by a medical professional, such as a physician, registered nurse, or physical therapist. They could provide wound care and physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Other potential benefits include person and caregiver education, injections, and nutrition therapy. A doctor prescribes medical home health care. Non-Medical Care. Non-medical care includes "assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, transportation to and from physician appointments, running errands, shopping and housekeeping. Care Management and ABI Resources provide Non-Medical support services. What to Expect. When a new person signs up for home health care through the Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person program or the Medicaid ABI Waiver Program, a Care Manager first meets with the family at home to understand their goals and precisely what services they need. The Care Manager then prepares and provides a detailed personalized care plan. This meeting helps ABI Resources match a caregiver with the right skills, personality, and suitable schedule compatibility with the individual that will be taking care of them in their home. Anyone signing up for high-quality home health care should expect a similar process. Once home health care starts, the person, Care Manager, and ABI Resources work together to determine the appropriate days and hours for visits. It varies greatly from one hour at a time to 24-hour care. In addition, ABI Resources "may act as a liaison," assisting with communication between the person and their healthcare team. ABI Resources are the eyes and ears inside the home. The doctor may only see a person intermittently, so sometimes ABI Resources can head off more significant medical issues by seeing signs and symptoms earlier. ABI Resources also reduces a person’s loneliness, improving their mental and physical health. ABI Resources Team Members form a strong bond and become part of the family as they share hours and multiple days of the week with a person. ABI Resources can also help reduce hospital readmissions. For instance, those who receive ABI Resources home visits experienced fewer hospital readmissions after they were discharged from the hospital compared to persons who didn't receive home services. ABI RESOURCES CONNECTICUT ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY ABI WAIVER AND CT MFP PROGRAM SUPPORTED LIVING CT COMMUNITY CARE LEADERS .

Looking for support for individuals with disabilities? ABI Resources offers MFP and ABI Supported Living Groups, providing personalized care and assistance to help clients lead fulfilling lives. Our experienced team provides a range of services to support individuals with acquired brain injuries, i Support groups: Make connections, and get help. You don't have to go alone if you're facing a significant illness or stressful life change. A support group can help. Find out how to choose the right one. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, this common ground might be cancer, chronic medical conditions, addiction, bereavement, or caregiving. A support group allows people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping Support groups: Make connections, and get help. You don't have to go alone if you're facing a significant illness or stressful life change. A support group can help. Find out how to choose the right one. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, this common ground might be cancer, chronic medical conditions, addiction, bereavement, or caregiving. A support group allows people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping Support groups: Make connections, and get help. You don't have to go alone if you're facing a significant illness or stressful life change. A support group can help. Find out how to choose the right one. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, this common ground might be cancer, chronic medical conditions, addiction, bereavement, or caregiving. A support group allows people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping 1/2 Support groups: Make connections, and get help. You don't have to go alone if you're facing a significant illness or stressful life change. A support group can help. Find out how to choose the right one. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, this common ground might be cancer, chronic medical conditions, addiction, bereavement, or caregiving. A support group allows people to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information about diseases or treatments. For many people, a health-related support group may fill a gap between medical treatment and the need for emotional support. A person's relationship with a doctor or other medical personnel may not provide adequate emotional support, and a person's family and friends may not understand the impact of a disease or treatment. A support group among people with shared experiences may function as a bridge between medical and emotional needs. Structure of support groups A nonprofit advocacy organization, clinic, hospital, or community organization may offer support groups. They also may be independent of any organization and run entirely by group members. Formats of support groups vary, including face-to-face meetings, teleconferences, or online communities. A lay person — someone who shares or has shared the group's common experience — often leads a support group, but a group also may be led by a professional facilitator, such as a nurse, social worker, or psychologist. Some support groups may offer educational opportunities, such as a guest doctor, psychologist, nurse, or social worker, to discuss a topic related to the group's needs. Support groups are not the same as group therapy sessions. Group therapy is a specific type of mental health treatment that brings together several people with similar conditions under the guidance of a licensed mental health care provider. Benefits of support groups The shared experience among support group members often means they have similar feelings, worries, everyday problems, treatment decisions, or side effects. Participating in a group allows you to be with people who likely have a common purpose and the potential to understand one another. The benefits of participating in a support group may include the following: Feeling less lonely, isolated, or judged. Reducing distress, depression, anxiety, or fatigue Talking openly and honestly about your feelings Improving skills to cope with challenges Staying motivated to manage chronic conditions or stick to treatment plans Gaining a sense of empowerment, control, or hope Improving understanding of a disease and your own experience with it Getting practical feedback about treatment options Learning about health, economic or social resources Possible risks Support groups may have drawbacks, and influential groups generally depend on the facilitator to help avoid these problems. These problems may include the following: Disruptive group members Conversation dominated by griping Lack of confidentiality Emotional entanglement, group tension, or interpersonal conflicts Inappropriate or unsound medical advice Competitive comparisons of whose condition or experience are worse Pros and cons of online support groups Online support groups offer benefits and risks that are particular to that format. It's essential to consider these factors before joining an online group. Benefits of online groups include: More frequent or flexible participation Opportunities for people who may not have local face-to-face support groups A degree of privacy or anonymity Risks of online support groups include the following: Communication only by written text can lead to confusion or understanding and clarity among group members. Anonymity may lead to inappropriate or disrespectful comments or behaviors. Participation online may result in isolation from other friends or family. Online communities may be particularly susceptible to misinformation or information overload. People may use the online environment to prey on people, promote a product or commit fraud. How to find a support group Information about support groups may be available from the following: Your doctor, clinic, or hospital Nonprofit organizations that advocate for particular medical conditions or life changes National Institutes of Health websites for specific diseases and conditions Questions to ask before joining a support group Support groups vary in how they are organized and led. Before joining a support group, ask the following questions: Is the group designed for people with a specific medical condition or a particular stage of disease? Does the group meet for a set period of time, or does it continue indefinitely? Where does the group meet? At what times and how often does the group meet? Is there a facilitator or moderator? Has the facilitator undergone training? Is a mental health expert involved with the group? What are the guidelines for confidentiality? Are there established ground rules for group participation? What is a typical meeting like? Is it free, and if not, what are the fees? Red flags that might indicate a problematic support group include the following: Promises of a sure cure for your disease or condition High fees to attend the group Pressure to purchase products or services Getting the most out of a support group When you join a new support group, you may be nervous about sharing personal issues with people you don't know. You may benefit from simply listening. Over time, however, contributing your ideas and experiences may help you get more out of a support group. Try a support group for a few weeks. If it doesn't feel like a good fit for you, consider a different support group or a different support group format. Remember that a support group isn't a substitute for regular medical care. Let your doctor know that you're participating in a support group. If you don't think a support group is appropriate for you but need help coping with your condition or situation, talk to your doctor about counseling or other types of therapy.