I have been caregiving for 2 years. I know it does not sound very long, but it makes me feel imprisoned. and angry. I had resentments before any of this happened and it only makes me more annoyed with him. And the loneliness is unimaginable to those who never experienced this. If anyone also needs to talk, please reach out.
Contact an Elder Lawyer to have your assets split. His split will go to his care. When almost gone, you apply for Medicaid. Once he is in Medicaid, you become the C Community spouse, remain in the home, have a car and enough or all of your monthly income to live off of.
1. Caregiver-specific communities (like this one)
Family Caregiver Alliance - They offer online support groups and sometimes smaller peer connections. Not strictly penpal-based, but people often form ongoing one-to-one relationships.
Alzheimer's Association - Since your context involves memory care, this is especially relevant. Their support groups (online and local) are full of spouses in similar situations—many are open to continuing conversations outside meetings.
Caregiver Action Network - Has forums where you can post something very close to what you wrote and invite ongoing connection.
AgingCare
2. Reddit
Reddit can sound impersonal, but certain communities are very sincere.
r/Caregivers
r/Alzheimers
3. Traditional penpal / correspondence sites:
- InterPals
- Global Penfriends
(These aren’t caregiver-specific, but you can filter or describe exactly what you’re looking for. You might find someone in a similar life stage).
4. Faith-based connections (if that fits you)
Many churches (especially larger ones) have caregiver ministries or "Stephen Ministry" programs.
Posting a short note in a church newsletter or small group network often works better than you’d expect—people respond to specificity and honesty.
5. Remotely host your own “micro-group” using Group FaceTime
6. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see if there are any local groups started.
Ideas courtesy of ChatGPT5.3
And why don't you join your local caregiver support group, as that way there will be lots of folks you can talk with in person?