Caregiver Support and Resources

If you’re someone who spends time caring for someone else, you’re a caregiver. Providing care is an act of dedication and compassion, and it comes in many different forms. Caregiving responsibilities can range from simple to complex, the time commitment can range from a little to a lot per day, and the arrangement can last for a short timeframe or evolve to a long-term basis. 

The generous act of providing care is likely invaluable and appreciated to the person receiving care, and hopefully it’s fulfilling and meaningful for the person providing. However, no matter the stipulations, being a caregiver can also be taxing. Particularly when the scenario is a loved one caring for someone who’s aging, it’s critical that the caregiver proactively finds time to fill their own cup with support and resources.  
 

Where to Start 

Anyone in a caregiving role should consider identifying support and resources for themself as a necessary and proactive part of the responsibility. Don’t wait for burnout, fatigue, and stress to pile up before starting to find the right support. 

Begin by speaking to friends or family for local recommendations, contacting your local Aging and Disability Resources Center, or simply searching “caregiver resources near me” on the internet.  

Trusted Resources 

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) 

All fifty states have an ADRC, though it’s possible it operates under a slightly different name. The goal of an ADRC is to provide trusted, free, highly visible, and unbiased information and resources to caregivers as well as those who need care. 

Specifically, the Administration for Community Living describes ADRCs as:  

“Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) across the country seek to address the frustrations many older adults, people with disabilities, and family members experience when trying to learn about and access long-term services and supports. 

ADRCs raise visibility about the full range of available options; provide objective information, advice, counseling and assistance; empower people to make informed decisions about their long-term services and supports; and help people access public and private programs.  ADRCs provide unbiased, reliable information and counseling to people with all levels of income. “  

Originally a part of the Administration on Aging (AoA), ADRC work is now carried out by the AoA’s umbrella within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Veterans Administration (VA).  

To find your local ADRC, use the Eldercare Locator. 
 

Waukesha County ADRC 

Specifically, in Waukesha County, our ADRC features a plethora of excellent caregiver support resources. In addition to facilitating their own monthly support group for people taking care of an older adult in their life, they have a central listing of other local support groups, partner resources, dementia care specialists, respite programs, and more.  
 

Government Programs 

Beyond ADRCs, additional governmental agencies such as the National Institute on Aging provide tools and articles for Caregivers. An internet search for resources in your area will connect you with additional supports specific to your county or state. 
 

Caregiver Action Network (CAN) 
The Caregiver Action Network is a leading family caregiver organization in the United States. As a nonprofit, it works to improve the quality of life for family caregivers by providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge. 

Their offerings are diverse. From a “Toolbox” of articles, guides, and tools, to free webinars, support groups, respite care, emotional support, connections with agencies and other organizations, and more – they offer a robust range of supports.  
 
Three Pillars’ Cognitive Health Programs 
If you’re local to the southeastern Wisconsin area, we’d be remiss if we didn’t share the best support resource we know – our own! We have a specialized Cognitive Health program which features abundant support initiatives.  

Learn more on our website and join us for an upcoming Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support group, Movement Disorder group, or educational seminar. Participate in our private Facebook support group, borrow from our lending library, participate in a memory screening, read our tip sheets, and more.  
 

An Alternative to Caregiving – Built-In Care at Assisted Living 

Remember, as meaningful as it can be to provide care for a loved one, there can come a time when the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. When you’ve tried different tactics, implemented tips, tools, and resources, sought support… and it’s becoming harder – don’t discount the option of a move to a residential assisted living community.  

We’ve heard it more times that we can count: “I wish I’d moved to assisted living sooner.” When someone who needs care moves to one of our assisted living communities, the peace of mind for both the resident and their loved ones or previous caregivers is unmatched. The person gets all the care they need from trusted, compassionate professionals, and the family members get to simply be family members. In this scenario, everyone thrives and lives their best life.  
 

Don’t Be a Stranger 

If we can ever answer a question or be a helpful resource to you, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to tell you more about our resources or give you a tour of one of our communities!