The Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s (PHA’s) telephone support groups offer connection, information and inspiration to community members wherever they are. Brian, the caregiver for his wife Charlotte, who has pulmonary hypertension (PH), never misses his monthly caregiver support group. Since it meets by phone, it is easier for him to maintain the perfect attendance record that is important to this self-proclaimed perfectionist.
“I thought by joining the calls I could learn how to be the best caregiver my wife needed,” Brian said. “I feel like I was able to accomplish that goal with the group’s help.”
Even though he now has years of experience as a caregiver, Brian continues to join the monthly conference call so he can be a source of inspiration and information for others. “I felt it was important to continue with the calls to help others in the same position I am in.”
Brian is not alone. Dozens of people across the U.S. join PHA’s monthly telephone support groups to connect and learn with others. For people who live in rural or remote areas, or who do not live near to an in-person support group, telephone support groups offer a solution. Sometimes it is the answer even for long-time dedicated members of in-person support groups who might otherwise miss a meeting due to health or travel issues.
In addition to bringing people together, telephone support groups offer the added benefit of being tailored to specific needs. While PHA’s in-person groups are open to anyone, telephone support groups within the PHA community may share a common circumstance. There are specialized groups for:
- People with CTEPH
- Parents of children with PH
- Bereaved family members
- Young adults ages 18-39
There also are two general groups:
- Patients
- Caregivers
To register for an upcoming call or to receive notifications of future calls, visit the PHA website, email gro.noitaicossAHP@troppuS or call 301-565-3004 ext. 777.
