A STC group does not take the place of a professional caregiver, however, not everyone can afford to hire a full-time aide.   A STC group and a nurse’s aide can all work together as part of the same team.   Friends have a head start as they know the care recipient (and their family) and can fill many needs that the professional is not legally allowed to do.
For example: fundraising, research, taking care of the kids or pets, and keeping the recipient’s creative projects going or just hanging out.