There are plenty of difficult jobs out there, but one that receives minimal attention is that of a family caregiver. Due to the high-stress and no-pay work environment of family caregivers, they often experience financial pressures, physical decline, anxiety, depression and isolation among other things.
In an AARP Public Policy Institute study, researchers found caregivers reporting fair or poor health increases from 14% within the first year to 20% after 5 years or more of providing care to a loved one, particularly when caregivers struggle to find time for self-care.
Fortunately, many communities across the US have experts and peers willing to offer advice and share resources in caregiving support groups. Support groups can be in-person or online and some are even disease specific. Many are designed to connect caregivers with others who are dealing with similar struggles related to caregiving, and can offer a sense of community and relieve caregiver-related isolation.
In an effort to support family caregivers in South Dakota, we’ve rounded-up 50 of the best caregiver support groups in South Dakota.
Family Caregiver Support Groups
- Caregiver Coffee & Conversation
@ActvGenerations
Second Monday of Each Month, 10-11 am
Sioux Falls, SD
Caregiver Case Manager, Deb Beringer, leads Caregiver Coffee & Conversation, a support group which meets at Active Generations in Sioux Falls. The free gathering mostly meets in room 128. Coffee is included.
- Caregiver Grief & Loss
@ActvGenerations
Third Monday of Each Month, 10:30 -11:30 am
Sioux Falls, SD
Active Generations in Sioux Falls hosts its monthly Caregiver Grief & Loss support group, which is hosted by Caregiver Case Manager, Deb Beringer. The free gathering mostly meets in room 128. Organizers asks that new members call 605-275-7682 prior to attending.
- Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers
@ActvGenerations
Each Tuesday, 10:00-11:30 am and 1:00-2:30 pm
Watertown, SD
Sponsored by Watertown Memory Care Support Group, Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers is a 9-week support group/course that provides coping skills, including stress and relaxation, positive thinking, and self-care for family caregivers. Free caregiver respite is offered. To pre-register, call (605) 333-3319 or 1-800-360-6161.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Groups
- Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
@ActvGenerations
First Wednesday of Each Month, 5:30-6:30 pm and Second Wednesday of Each Month, 1:00-2:30 pm
Del Rapids, SD
Amy Hemmer leads the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, a twice-monthly gathering. This meeting is held at Sanford Orchard Hills in Del Rapids and is free to families, friends, and loved ones of Alzheimer’s patients.
- Pierre: Caregiver Support Group
@alzassociation
First Wednesday of Each Month, 12:00-1:00 pm
Pierre, SD
The Alzheimer’s Association of South Dakota sponsors Pierre: Caregiver Support, a monthly gathering that meets at Edgewood Senior Living. Participants discuss issues and learn care methods over a brown bag lunch. Meals can be purchased for $7 by calling Edgewood at 605-494-3400.
- SF Tuesday Caregiver Support Group
@alzassociation
Second Tuesday of Each Month, 6:30-7:30 pm
Sioux Falls, SD
The SF Tuesday Caregiver Support Group is a free monthly gathering designed to support both the emotional and practical needs of the Alzheimer’s family caregiver. This group is free to the public and is held at the Alzheimer’s Association South Dakota Chapter in Sioux Falls.
- Vermillion Caregiver Support Group
@alzassociation
Fourth Monday of Each Month, 7:00-8:00 pm
Vermillion, SD
The Alzheimer’s Association of South Dakota hosts the Caregiver Support Group at the public library in Vermillion. In addition to providing a social support environment, the group also offers participants the skills they need to cope in their caregiving roles. This meeting is completely free to the public.
- Watertown Memory Care Support Group
First Wednesday of Each Month, 7:00-8:00 pm
Watertown, SD
The Jenkins Living Center hosts the Watertown Memory Care Support Group, a meeting that is open to friends, families, caregivers, and patients affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The gathering is free and meets monthly in the Fireside Room.
Specialty Caregiver Support Groups
- Aberdeen Area Autism Spectrum Disorder Parent Support Group
First Wednesday of Each Month, 7:00-8:30 pm
Aberdeen, SD
Since 2013, the Aberdeen Area Autism Spectrum Disorder Parent Support Group has connected parent caregivers with likeminded individuals and community resources, both online and in-person. More information about the group, including official meeting places, is available on its Facebook page.
- Aberdeen Area Brain Injury Support Group
@AveraStLukes
Third Tuesday of Each Month, 7:00-8:30 pm
Aberdeen, SD
Caregivers of brain injury survivors residing in the Aberdeen area are welcome to this support group, hosted by Avera St. Luke’s Hospital. Gatherings are facilitated by Ron Hoops and meet in the rehabilitation center on the fourth floor of the hospital.
- Aberdeen Area Family Support Group for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
@usd
Meets Quarterly
Aberdeen, SD
Caregiving parents of children with visual impairments are welcome to this specialized support group, which meets quarterly in the Aberdeen area. For more information, contact Amy Scepaniak at 605-626-2580.
- Aseracare Hospice Grief Support Group
@ActvGenerations
Fourth Wednesday of Each Month, 6:00-7:00 pm
Sioux Falls, SD
Sponsored by Aseracare, this hospice grief support group is designed for anyone over the age of 18 (current and former caregivers included) who is experiencing grief or loss issues. The group gathers in room 204 of Active Generations in Sioux Falls.
- Autism Parent & Caregiver Support Group
Fourth Thursday of Each Month, 5:30-7:00 pm
Sioux Falls, SD
Parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders can find online/offline support and respite through the Autism Parent & Caregiver Support Group. Meetings center around community-building exercises. Childcare is available for those that register one week prior to meetings.
- Autism Society of the Black Hills Parent Support Group
@AutismSociety
Third Thursday of Each Month, 6:00-7:00 pm
Rapid City, SD
The Autism Society of the Black Hills hosts a monthly parent support group which is designed for primary/parent caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders. Children of participating parents are invited to Sensory Jump time which is held in the same building as the support group. This gathering meets at Jump Craze in Rapid City.
- Brain Injury Support Groups of the Black Hills
Second Tuesday of Each Month, 6:15-8:00 pm
Rapid City, SD
The Brain Injury Support Group of the Black Hills is a Rapid City-based meeting that gathers together area brain injury patients and professionals, as well as patient caregivers and loved ones. The group meets in the conference room of Community Transitions.
- The Brain Injury Alliance of South Dakota
Various Meeting Times
Various Meeting Places
The Brain Injury Alliance of South Dakota holds and sponsors support groups designed for patients and caregivers all over the state. Currently, the organization has monthly meetings in Aberdeen, Rapid City, Brookings, and Sioux Falls. For more information on individual meeting times/places, check the support group schedule.
- Cancer: Now What?
@PeaceLutheranSF
Contact for Meeting Times
Sioux Falls, SD
Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls hosts Cancer: Now What?, a support group geared towards cancer patients (past and present) and their caregivers. Each meeting focuses in on ways cancer patients can better take care of their mental health as they are going through the treatment process. RSVP is required and can be submitted here.
- Diabetes Support Groups by the South Dakota Diabetes Coalition
Various Meeting Times
Various Meeting Places
Diabetes patients and their caregivers are welcome to join any of the many diabetes support groups organized by the South Dakota Diabetes Coalition. Currently, meetings can be found in Lead/Deadwood, Sisseton, Madison, Spearfish, Mitchell, Viborg, Platte, Yankton, and Rapid City. For more information on individual meeting times/places, check the diabetes support group schedule.
- Eastern South Dakota Multiple Myeloma Support Group
@IMFmyeloma
Second Tuesday of Each Month, 6:00-7:15 pm
Sioux Falls, SD
The First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls hosts the Eastern South Dakota Multiple Myeloma Support Group, a monthly meeting that connects multiple myeloma patients and caregivers with their local peers. The group meets in the Gerlinger Room of the church.
- Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Support Group
Fourth Monday of Each Month, 7:00-8:00 pm
Sioux Falls, SD
Facilitator Mike Dircksen leads the Frontotemporal Degermation (FTD) Support Group, a monthly, free meeting that connects area patients and caregivers with friendship and resources. The group meets at the Prairie West Branch Library in Sioux Falls.
- GriefShare Grief Recovery Support Group
@griefcaring
Each Sunday, 5:00
Sioux Falls, SD
Beginning on September 8, 2019, Brian Reynoldson, Pastor of Care at Celebrate Community Church, will lead the GriefShare Grief Recovery Group, a 13-session structured support group that is designed for caregivers, patients, and grieving loved ones. The group meets in the 3-5th Grade and Preschool Rooms. The cost of registration is $15; scholarships are available for those who need them.
- Grieving with Grace
First Saturday of Each Month, 9:30-11:00 am
Sioux Falls, SD
Pastor Katherine of the First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls leads Grieving with Grace, a group made to help adults through the grieving process of a loved one. Each meeting covers a new topic/activity, including art therapy and even pet loss grief support. Grieving with Grace meets in the Gathering Room of the church.
- Heartland Chapter Support Group – Scleroderma Foundation
@scleroderma
Second Tuesday of Every Other Month, 6:30 pm
Sioux Falls, SD
The Sanford USD Medical Center hosts the Scleroderma Foundation’s Heartland Chapter Support Group, a gathering that connects area patients, caregivers, and loved ones affected by the condition. The group meets on the Lower Level of the Locken Lobby in Meeting Room A.
- Heart Smart Cardiac – Better Breathers Pulmonary Support Group
@HRMC_Huron
Third Wednesday of Each Month, 12:00 pm
Huron, SD
Heart Smart Cardiac – Better Breathers Pulmonary Support Group is a monthly gathering that is open to anyone affected by heart and lung disease. The support group is organized by Huron Regional Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehab and is held in the HRMC Legacy Plaza Auditorium.
- NAMI Family Support Groups
@NamiSouthDakota
Various Meeting Times
Various Meeting Place
South Dakota’s chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hosts several of its NAMI Family Support Groups, designed for caregivers and loved ones of patients grappling with mental illnesses. Currently, there are biweekly and monthly support groups being held in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Spearfish, Pierre, Watertown, and Brookings. For more information on individual meeting times/places, check the Family Support Groups schedule
- Parent Support Group for Students with Learning/School Difficulties
@CD_SouthDakota
Second Thursday of Each Month, 6:30-8:00 pm
Various Meeting Places
Parent caregivers raising children with learning/school difficulties can seek resources and connection from this support group organized by the SD Parent Connection/USD Center for Disabilities. Groups are currents being held in Aberdeen, Chamberlain, Edgemont, Mobridge, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, and Watertown.
- Parkinson’s Support Group
Fourth Wednesday of Each Month, 1:30-2:30 pm
Huron, SD
Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers are welcome to join the Parkinson’s Support Group, a free monthly meeting that provides resources and advice to residents of the Huron area. The group meets in the auditorium of the Huron Regional Medical Center.
- Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group
@PeaceLutheranSF
Fourth Tuesday of Each Month, 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Sioux Falls, SD
Patients and primary caregivers suffering from pulmonary hypertension or other pulmonary diseases are welcome to join this support group. The meeting is led by fellow group members who frequently share medical information and referral advice. The group gathers at Peace Lutheran Church in the Shalom Room.
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Support Group
@HRMC_Huron
Third Tuesday of Each Month, 4:00 pm
Huron, SD
The Huron Regional Medical Center organizes the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Support Group, a monthly meeting that connects cardiac professionals, patients, and caregivers. The group gathers at the HRMC Central Tower Dakota in the Heartland Room (across from the cafeteria).
- Rapid City Stroke Group
First Saturday of Each Month, Contact for Time
Rapid City, SD
Stroke survivors and their caregivers are welcome to join the Rapid City Stroke Group, a monthly meeting held at the Regional Rehabilitation Institute. For more information on session times and meeting places, contact Judy Donahue at (605) 484-2260.
- Sioux Falls Area Brain Injury Support Group
@ActvGenerations
Second Saturday of Each Month, 1:00-2:45 pm
Sioux Falls, SD
The Sioux Falls Area Brain Injury Support Group is a confidential meeting that connects brain injury patients and their caregivers with other area patients and families. The group meets at The Center for Active Generations in Sioux Falls in September through May.
- South Dakota Parkinson Foundation Exercise and Support Groups
Various Meeting Times
Various Meeting Places
The South Dakota Parkinson Foundation hosts many of its signature Exercise and Support Groups across the state. Meetings are currently being held in Aberdeen, Brookings, Canton, Huron, Luverne, Mitchell, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, Viborg, Watertown, Yankton, and Madison. For more information on individual meeting times/places, check the Exercise and Support Groups schedule.
- Sioux Empire Stroke Support Group
Second Monday of Each Month, 4:00-5:00 pm
Sioux Falls, SD
Stroke survivors and their caregivers are welcome to join the Sioux Empire Stroke Support Group, a free monthly meeting in the Elmen Room of the Dow Rummel Retirement Community. For more information on the support group, contact Jessie Wolf at (605) 328-4970.
- Siouxland Autism Support Group
Contact for Meeting Times
Contact for Meeting Places
For over 20 years, the Siouxland Autism Support Group has connected family caregivers of autistic loved ones with a community of giving peers. The group is active and organizes events frequently. For more information on support group schedules, email siouxlandautism@live.com.
- Together We Can Support Group
First Wednesday of Each Month, 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Vermillion, SD
Together We Can is a support group designed for persons and caregivers of persons with neurological diagnoses, including stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, Huntington’s Disease, and others. This free, monthly group is organized by Candace Zweifel and held at Sanford Vermillion.
- Ups of Downs Family Support Group
Contact for Meeting Times
Contact for Meeting Places
The Ups of Downs Family Support Group is a mainly online support group that also organizes frequent get-togethers designed for caregivers and their loved ones. More information on meeting schedules can be found on its website and Facebook page.
- Viborg Parkinson’s Support Group
Second Tuesday of Each Month, 2:00-4:00 pm
Viborg, SD
Persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers are welcome to join the Viborg Parkinson’s Support Group, a free meeting led by facilitator Andrea Flyger. The group meets at the Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg.
- Yankton Family Support Group
Contact for Meeting Time
Contact for Meeting Place
Facilitated by Lance Corbit, the Yankton Family Support Group is designed for caregivers and families of children diagnosed with any disability or special need. For more information on meeting times, places, and agendas, call (402) 369-2395.
Online/Virtual Support Groups
AARP’s online community includes the Caregiving Forum, a place where caretaking family members and friends share stories, tips, and more. In addition to peer support, AARP also hosts the Expert Series which allow for valuable Q&A’s within the forum.
The American Heart Association provides anonymous online forums for caregivers of both heart and stroke patients. It only takes a short three minutes to register as a forum user, and joining is 100% free
Individuals diagnosed with ALS, as well as their caregivers are invited to join the Online Support Group of the ALS Association Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter. The group meets virtually to discuss a range of topics, from Medicare to nutrition, and beyond. You can access the meeting schedule here.
ALZConnected is the Alzheimer’s Association’s online portal for patients and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Caregivers Forum message boards are full of supportive caregiving peers discussing a range of topics, including caregiver stress, nursing home queries, medical insurance, and more.
The Department of Veterans of Affairs has launched a program called Building Better Caregivers, a 100% online workshop that is designed for caregivers of veterans. The 6 weekly, self-paced lessons include facilitator guidance and group support from caregiving peers. For more information, visit the Building Vetter Caregivers website.
WellMed Charitable Foundation organizes its Caregiver Teleconnection programs which are led by a variety of care experts. Caregiver participants have the chance to connect with their peers, ask questions, and get plenty of advice. Upcoming topics include Managing Difficult Behaviors, Compassionate Caregiving for Caregivers, Frontotemporal Degeneration, and more.
Members of the Myositis Association are welcome to join its online and in-person support group for caregivers in the Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota chapter lines. By participating this group, caregivers and patients have access to advice from medical professionals specializing in myosotis. Participants can also connect with local peers and access a range of written resources.
Pathways to Community Sioux Falls is a Facebook-based online group that acts a support group to caregivers, parents, and loved ones of individuals with disabilities. Members frequently share stories, advice, and even information about local events.
Reddit hosts the subreddit, r/Caregiver Support. The group boasts more than 2,000 active members regularly posing important caregiver-related questions on education, support, finances, legal options, and more.
Minnehaha County epilepsy patients and epilepsy caregivers are welcome to join the Sioux Falls Area Epilepsy Support Group. The longstanding, peer-moderated Facebook group boasts 60+ members and has been active for 5 years and running.
South Dakota Parent Connection features an online portal which features a host of training materials for the parent caregiver, covering topics like behavior intervention/strategies, education/school issues, legal/life planning, and more. The site also provides in-person resources here.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hosts a helpful range of Caregiver Support options both by phone and online. Included in this program are peer support mentoring and even caregiver support monthly calls featuring real-life caregiver stories.
