A wealth of resources is available to assist caregivers

If you’re taking care of a loved one – a parent, sibling, or even a friend – you could probably use some advice – or just some time to yourself.

Fortunately, there are plenty of resources throughout southeast Michigan to support caregivers, from respite programs to individualized self-care plans to workshops and coaching.

Local area agencies can be a good first step

Local Area Agencies on Aging support caregivers with plenty of programs and resources.

“Family caregivers have many more options these days when it comes to getting help,” says Jeannine Roach, Manager of Health Promotions at AgeWays. “From Trualta, a great online platform that answers pretty much any question you might have about caregiving, to our wonderful caregiver classes to our Caregiver Coaching program, there’s a lot to choose from.”

There are three Area Agencies on Aging serving southeast Michigan. All of them offer Information and Assistance and help connecting with resources. They also offer programs specifically for family caregivers.

• AgeWays: (800) 852-7795/AgeWays.orgServes older adults and family caregivers in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties, offers these:
  • Caregiver Coaching AgeWays matches caregivers with a volunteer (and experienced) caregiver who will help the caregiver find resources and navigate challenges. Go to MiCaregiverCoach for more information.
  • Respite Voucher Program A grant has enabled AgeWays to offer one-time vouchers of up to $575 to families to hire a temporary in-home caregiver so that they can take a break. For more information, go to caregiverrespiteprogram.org.
  • Powerful Tools for Caregivers PTC is among the most popular workshops the AgeWays Health and Wellness team offers for family caregivers. This 6-week program focuses on self-care, with mindfulness exercises included. It’s a good social opportunity, too! To learn more. Visit the Senior Health and Wellness page at AgeWays.org.
  • Trualta Trualta is an online platform that enables caregivers to access advice and information about different caregiving topics. Articles, videos and webinars help caregivers easily connect to the information they need. For more information, go to AgeWays.org.
• The Detroit Area Agency on Aging: (313) 446-4444/detroitseniorsolution.orgThe Detroit Area Agency on Aging serves the City of Detroit, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park, and the Grosse Pointes). It offers caregiver-focused classes like Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a 6-week program that helps caregivers take care of themselves, and Creating Confident Caregivers, a 6-week educational training program for family members who provide care a loved one with dementia. The workshop aims to help participants manage stress and difficult behaviors.
• The Senior Alliance: (734) 722-2830/thesenioralliance.orgThe Senior Alliance is the Area Agency on Aging serving western Wayne County. It offers an array of support for caregivers, including caregiver podcasts you can listen to via its website; a caregiver assessment; caregiver support forums; tips, and information

Volunteer caregiver and adult day programs help caregivers take a break

Volunteer caregiversA variety of agencies offer volunteer caregiver programs that provide occasional respite care for a few hours. No-cost programs are available through Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (in Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties), Livingston County Catholic Charities, and Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County.  

Adult day programsAdult day programs provide stimulation for older adults with cognitive decline while their caregivers get time to do what they need to do. Your loved one will be with peers exercising, singing, doing arts and crafts, playing games, and having lunch. Some programs even offer showers. For more information, go to AgeWays.org.

Caregiver support groupsSupport groups are offered by a variety of organizations and can help people connect with resources and each other.

• Alzheimer’s AssociationThis organization has lots of information and knowledge to share, along with support groups, social groups and a scholarship that can help with respite care expenses. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website for all their offerings. Bonus: Their 24/7 helpline means you have someone to reach out to—even in the middle of the night: (800) 272-3900.
• Michigan Parkinson FoundationIt offers support groups for people caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease. It also offers information for caregivers on its website.

SPECIAL EVENT COMING THIS FALL!

On October 5, AgeWays will host Caregiver Connections: Learn, Link and Lunch, an event at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The event aims to give family caregivers a day that is all about them and will feature speakers on legal issues in caregiving and caring for a loved one with dementia. It will also give caregivers an opportunity to visit with 20 exhibitors offering caregiver resources and get on-the-spot help from AgeWays Resource Specialist. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. Detroit television Christy McDonald will share her personal caregiving journey and insights during a lunchtime keynote address. Tickets are $10. Go to AgeWays.org to register.

If you’re a caregiver who needs assistance, you can reach out to AgeWays at 800-852-7795 or AgeWays.org.