ABI Resources provides home support staff and life skills training for MFP and ABI programs, giving you more time for what matters. Develop essential life skills and find meaningful employment while receiving expert care for brain injury, TBI, and stroke in our supported living environments SI CECI EST UNE URGENCE , APPELEZ LE 911 Services de soutien à l'échelle de l'État pour les personnes vivant avec des lésions cérébrales ou en convalescence. Obtenez une meilleure indépendance avec Ressources ABI Connecticut Ligne d'assistance 1-860-942-0365 Connectez-vous avec un spécialiste certifié qui fournit un soutien et des conseils individuels aux personnes, aux membres de la famille, aux soignants, aux éducateurs, aux professionnels médicaux et thérapeutiques.

ABI RESOURCES offers personalized care plan development that effectively communicates the needs of the individual served. Our organization of services encompasses medical and therapeutic support, tailored to the unique requirements of each person. Trust us to provide compassionate care and suppo Élaboration d’un plan de soins personnalisé Chez ABI Resources, nous pensons que chaque individu mérite des soins personnalisés qui répondent à ses besoins et préférences uniques. C'est pourquoi nous proposons des services d'élaboration de plans de soins personnalisés qui visent à fournir des soins et un soutien complets aux individus et à leurs familles. Notre approche implique de travailler en collaboration avec l'individu, les membres de sa famille et ses professionnels de la santé pour identifier ses besoins, objectifs et préférences spécifiques. Nous adoptons une vision globale de leurs besoins en matière de soins de santé, en tenant compte non seulement de leurs besoins médicaux, mais également de leur bien-être social, émotionnel et psychologique. Notre processus d'élaboration d'un plan de soins implique une évaluation approfondie des besoins et des objectifs de la personne, suivie de l'élaboration d'un plan de soins personnalisé qui décrit les services et les soutiens nécessaires pour atteindre ces objectifs. Nous comprenons que la situation de chaque personne est unique, c'est pourquoi nous prenons le temps de connaître chaque individu et d'élaborer un plan de soins personnalisé adapté à ses besoins spécifiques. Nos services d'élaboration de plans de soins comprennent l'organisation de services tels que la participation médicale et thérapeutique, le soutien à l'éducation spécialisée, le transport, les appareils technologiques d'assistance et bien plus encore. Nous travaillons en étroite collaboration avec chaque membre de la famille et les équipes professionnelles pour nous assurer que le plan de soins est à jour et continue de répondre aux besoins évolutifs de la personne. Chez ABI Resources, nous nous engageons à fournir des services d'élaboration de plans de soins personnalisés de haute qualité qui permettent aux individus d'atteindre leurs objectifs et de vivre leur meilleure vie. Notre équipe de professionnels se consacre à garantir que chaque personne reçoive les soins et le soutien dont elle a besoin pour s'épanouir.

Connecticut Department of Social Services DSS Norwich Field Office 401 West Thames Street Norwich, CT 06360 An appointment can be made by calling the Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632 to speak to an Eligibility Services Worker Adresse du Département des services sociaux du Connecticut. Bureau extérieur de Norwich 401, rue Thames Ouest Norwich, Connecticut 06360 Les bureaux extérieurs du DSS et le centre d'avantages sociaux doté de personnel ( 1-855-626-6632 ) sont ouverts les lundi, mardi, jeudi et vendredi, de 8h00 à 16h30 (fermé le mercredi). Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources 1/13 Bridgeport Hartford Manchester Middletown New Britain New Haven Norwich Torrington Stamford Waterbury Willimantic MFP program ABI waiver program Healthcare services Financial assistance Eligibility criteria Benefit renewal process Service disruptions Medical aid Food support Cash assistance Apply for benefits Check eligibility MyAccount DSS benefits info Social services Public assistance programs Government benefits. ABI RESOURCES CONNECTICUT CT DSS ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY ABI WAIVER AND MFP AGENCY PROVIDER. CT SUPPORTED LIVING AND COMMUNITY CARE LEADERS. BRAIN INJURY COMMUNITY OF CONNECTICUT BICC DISABILITY RIGHTS OF CONNECTICUT ADVOCATES

Discover exceptional personal care services in Connecticut, USA with PCA. Trust our home health care service for compassionate and professional care. 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 Le programme Personal Care Attendant (PCA) offre une aide aux soins personnels (préposé) aux adultes âgés de 18 à 64 ans souffrant d'incapacités chroniques, graves et permanentes. Ce programme permet à l'adulte de rester à domicile plutôt que d'être placé en institution (placement dans un établissement de soins de longue durée, en maison de retraite, etc.). Un préposé aux soins personnels (APC) est embauché pour vous aider à accomplir les activités de la vie quotidienne (AVQ) et à rester à la maison. Il existe une liste d'attente pour l'acceptation dans ce programme. L'éligibilité au PCA est un processus en deux parties : Partie 1 : Fonctionnellement, vous devez avoir besoin de ces services. Plus précisément, vous devez démontrer physiquement que vous avez besoin d’une aide pratique pour effectuer 3 des sept activités principales de la vie quotidienne (AVQ). Ces AVQ sont décrites ci-dessous : Prendre un bain – besoin d’aide pour vous laver correctement ? S'habiller – avez-vous besoin d'aide pour vous habiller convenablement ? Manger/Nourrir – avez-vous besoin d’aide pour vous nourrir correctement ? (Cela ne signifie pas préparer ou préparer des repas.) Aller aux toilettes – avez-vous besoin d'aide pour aller aux toilettes et vous nettoyer adéquatement par la suite ? Transfert – avez-vous besoin d’aide pour vous déplacer en toute sécurité vers et hors d’une chaise/d’un lit ? Médicaments – avez-vous besoin d’aide pour préparer et prendre vos médicaments quotidiens ? Comportemental – avez-vous besoin d’une surveillance quotidienne pour éviter de vous faire du mal ou de faire du mal à autrui ? Partie 2 : Financièrement, vous devez être qualifié pour Medicaid au moment où vous recevez les services. Vous n'êtes pas obligé d'être dans les limites financières de Medicaid lorsque vous êtes sur la liste d'attente pour le PCA (voir ci-dessous), mais vous devez avoir postulé et qualifié pour Medicaid au moment où votre nom apparaît sur la liste d'attente. Les assistants de soins personnels, également appelés PCA, constituent une partie importante du secteur de la santé. Ils fournissent des soins à domicile aux personnes qui ont besoin d'aide pour les activités de la vie quotidienne, telles que prendre leur bain, s'habiller et préparer les repas. Les PCA travaillent en tête-à-tête avec les clients, les aidant à conserver leur indépendance et à vivre aussi confortablement que possible. Il existe de nombreux emplois d'assistant de soins personnels disponibles à travers le pays, et ils peuvent constituer un excellent choix de carrière pour ceux qui sont compatissants, patients et déterminés à aider les autres. Pour devenir assistant de soins personnels, les candidats doivent passer par un processus d'entretien approfondi et peuvent être tenus de passer un test de dépistage de drogues. En conclusion, les assistants de soins personnels jouent un rôle important dans le secteur de la santé, en fournissant des soins à domicile aux personnes qui ont besoin d'aide dans leurs activités quotidiennes. Des emplois d'assistant de soins personnels sont disponibles partout au pays et peuvent constituer un excellent choix de carrière pour ceux qui sont compatissants, patients et déterminés à aider les autres. Pour devenir assistant de soins personnels, les candidats doivent passer un processus d'entretien approfondi, passer un test de dépistage de drogue et soumettre un curriculum vitae.

"Discover Person-Centered programs at ABI Resources. Tailored for your unique needs, we empower you to take control. ABI WAIVER PROGRAM / MFP PROGRAM It's your life and your program. You're the boss. The Medicaid MFP and ABI Waiver are Person-Centered Programs. A person should never be forced, tricked, or shamed into taking action . There are two Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waivers, known as ABI Waiver I and ABI Waiver II, which are provided by the Federal Government and administered by the Depa rtment of Social Services (DSS). These waivers provide a person-centered plan of care for an array of non-medical, home and community-based services to individuals with an acquired brain injury who currently receive or would otherwise require services in an institutional setting. What is Person-Centered care? • Care that’s guided and informed by a person’s goals, preferences, and values. • The success of the services is measured by the person ’s reported outcomes success. • Integrated and coordinated care across health systems, providers, and care settings. • A team works together to support managing chronic and complex challenges. • Relationships are built on trust and a commitment to the person ’s long-term well-being. What does person-centered care mean for a person? Person-centered care allows a person to make informed decisions about their treatment and well-being. They have a team of primary care providers, specialists, and other health care providers who know them, listen to them, and are accountable for their care. Doctors and other healthcare professionals help person-centered care persons manage their health care by providing tools and services that align with their preferences and values so they can reach their health goals. What does person-centered care mean for ABI Resources? Person-centered care means doctors and other healthcare providers work collaboratively with a person and other healthcare providers to do what is best for the person’s health and well-being. It offers healthcare providers the necessary support, like access to a person’s health data to understand their comprehensive needs. By providing doctors and other healthcare providers with this big-picture information, ABI Resources is better equipped to develop care plans that include empathy, dignity, and respect for persons, their families, and other caregivers.

Are you having trouble falling asleep at night? Or difficulty staying asleep through the night? Are you always tired? Do you have morning headaches? Are you unable to go to sleep and stay asleep at night? Have you been told you constantly snore or occasionally stop breathing when you sleep? Do you have trouble concentrating or fall asleep when you should generally be awake and alert? Do you experience a "creepy or crawling" sensation in your legs or arms at rest? www.CTbrainInjury.com Avez-vous du mal à vous endormir la nuit ? Ou des difficultés à rester endormi toute la nuit ? Il peut être difficile de savoir quand demander de l’aide ou quand vous souffrez d’un trouble du sommeil nécessitant un traitement. Lisez les questions d’évaluation du sommeil ci-dessous pour déterminer si consulter un spécialiste du sommeil est votre meilleure option. Êtes-vous toujours fatigué? Avez-vous des maux de tête le matin ? Êtes-vous incapable de vous endormir et de rester endormi la nuit ? Vous a-t-on dit que vous ronflez constamment ou que vous arrêtez occasionnellement de respirer lorsque vous dormez ? Avez-vous du mal à vous concentrer ou à vous endormir alors que vous devriez généralement être éveillé et alerte ? Ressentez-vous une sensation de « chair de poule ou de rampement » dans vos jambes ou vos bras lorsque vous êtes éveillé ou au repos ? Si vous avez répondu « oui » à l'une de ces questions, parlez-en à votre fournisseur de soins primaires pour recevoir une première évaluation du sommeil.

"Discover effective strategies for mental self-care with expert guidance from CT Brain Injury specialists. Learn practical instruction on how to prioritize your well-being and manage the emotional impact of brain injury. Improve your mental health and quality of life today." abi resources 8 types of self care physical mental emotional spiritual social financial abi resources 8 types of self care physical mental emotional spiritual social financial abi resources 8 types of self care physical mental emotional spiritual social financial abi resources 8 types of self care physical mental emotional spiritual social financial abi resources 8 types of self care physical mental emotional spiritual social financial abi resources 8 types of self care physical mental emotional spiritual social financial 1/2

Direct local phone number, hours, and address for the New Haven Social Security Office. Skip the national hotline. Get local help for disability and SSI claims. Social Security Administration Social Security Office in New Haven Giaimo Fed Bldg 4th Fl, 150 Court ST. 1-866-331-5281 , 1-800-772-1213 , 1-203-624-2332 Services de détermination du handicap Alors que les demandes d'invalidité de la Sécurité sociale sont prises dans les bureaux locaux, les décisions médicales sont prises dans chaque État par un service de détermination du handicap. Si vous avez déjà déposé une demande de prestations d'invalidité ou si vous êtes un prestataire médical, vous pouvez envoyer des informations médicales sur un demandeur du Connecticut à : Disability Determination Services 309 Warwarme Avenue Hartford, CT. 06114 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Waterbury, Connecticut 1-877-405-4874, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 1/29

You deserve the best! Connecticut MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program. Home and Community Care Disability Support Services. Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland , Windham. Programme de dispense des MFP et ABI Services communautaires à domicile et zones d'emploi Programme d'exemption ABI MFP Money Follows the Person Program School Support Services ( I.L.S.T. ) Formation aux compétences de vie Compagnon/aidant State Wide Service Areas Connecticut Medicaid MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Agency, Provider. Providing Disability Support Services Across Connecticut. Fairfield County, CT Hartford County, CT Litchfield County, CT Middlesex County, CT New Haven County, CT New London County, CT Tolland County, CT Windham County, CT Services include Stroke support services , Housing Assistance and Options , Supported Employment , Pre-Vocational Services , Job Coaching, Independent Living Skills Training, Cooking Skills Training, Companion Services, Connecticut Brain Injury Support Groups, Recovery Assistants, State Benefit Assistance, Arts Program, Music Production Program, Media Production Program, Assisted Living Services, Hygiene and Bathing Skills Support, Homemaking and Cleaning SkillsGroup Day Supports, Disability Advocacy, Residential Programming, Specialized Private Pay Brain Injury Support Staffing Options and much more. ABI Resources supports terrific people and families alongside DSS, The Connecticut Department of Social Services, DMHAS The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, CCC Connecticut Community Care CCCI, SWCAA Southwestern Connecticut Area on Aging, WCAAA Western Connecticut Area on Ageing, ACR Allied Community Resources, Access Health, and United Services. CT Medicaid Programs. ILST Companion RA. 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

allied community resources allied fiduciary services allied community resources portal allied community resources holiday schedule allied community resources payroll allied community resources jobs allied community resources east windsor ct allied community resources pca forms Allied Community Resources Inc. (ACR) participe au programme d'exemption ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) dans le Connecticut , qui est un programme Medicaid qui fournit des services et un soutien aux personnes souffrant de lésions cérébrales acquises. En tant qu'intermédiaire fiscal, ACR fournit des services de gestion financière pour le programme ABI Waiver, qui peuvent inclure le traitement de la paie et la gestion des budgets du programme. ACR ne fournit pas de services de gestion financière et de paie pour ABI Resources. ACR fournit également un soutien aux participants au programme en leur fournissant des informations sur les ressources disponibles, en les aidant à remplir les formalités administratives et en proposant une formation à domicile aux personnes qui gèrent elles-mêmes leurs propres services. En plus de soutenir les personnes participant au programme ABI Waiver, ACR propose des formations et des informations aux personnes participant à d'autres types de programmes et de services. La formation peut inclure des informations sur la façon d'auto-gérer les services, d'accéder aux ressources et à d'autres compétences nécessaires pour vivre de manière indépendante. Dans l'ensemble, ACR s'engage à fournir des services de gestion financière et un soutien aux personnes souffrant de lésions cérébrales acquises dans le cadre du programme ABI Waiver, ainsi qu'à offrir une formation et un soutien aux personnes participant à d'autres programmes et services. Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Waterbury, Connecticut 1-877-405-4874, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 1/29

Direct local phone number (1-877-405-0486) for the Torrington Social Security Office. Skip the generic 800 number. Local help available. Administration de la sécurité sociale Bureau de la sécurité sociale à Torrington 147 Litchfield Street 06790, Torrington, Connecticut 1-877-405-0486 , 1-800-772-1213 , 1-860-626-9568 Services de détermination du handicap Alors que les demandes d'invalidité de la Sécurité sociale sont prises dans les bureaux locaux, les décisions médicales sont prises dans chaque État par un service de détermination du handicap. Si vous avez déjà déposé une demande de prestations d'invalidité ou si vous êtes un prestataire médical, vous pouvez envoyer des informations médicales sur un demandeur du Connecticut à : Disability Determination Services 309 Warwarme Avenue Hartford, CT. 06114 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Waterbury Suite 1, 51 North Elm St 06702, Waterbury, Connecticut 1-877-405-4874, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person a Phone 1-855-626-6632 Connecticut CT Department of Social Services DSS MFP Money Follows the Person and ABI Waiver Program Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham CT community care Home Health ABI Resources Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Wil Social Security Administration Social Security Office in Willimantic Ste 19, 1320 Main St 06226, Willimantic, Connecticut 1-877-405-0488, 1-800-772-1213, 1-800-325-0778 1/29

Looking for ABI resources and support? Our MFP ABI program offers a range of services to individuals with acquired brain injuries, including supported living groups. Find the assistance you need to regain independence and improve your quality of life with our comprehensive program. 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.