caregiver support group

A support group comprising individuals who have in common the responsibility of managing the lives and providing for the needs of those unable to do so independently. Typically, such groups are made up of people who care for frail elderly parents, children with a disease or disability, special-needs clients, or family members with a mental disorder. The stress of caring for these people is often relieved through the mutual support the members provide one another. The groups may be led by social workers, other professionals, or the members themselves; the degree of structure varies widely.