November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time for recognizing the contributions of family caregivers. Whether a person is caring for a spouse, parent, or other aging family member, we recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to provide such care. In honor of all the hardworking caregivers, we wanted to update this blog post from 2015 with resources and information to help caregivers, especially those caring for a family member with dementia.
Support Groups
A support group provides an outlet for caregivers to discuss the ups and downs of their experiences in an open, understanding environment.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services offers monthly drop-in meetings at various locations across the city.
Online forums and digital support groups are useful venues for sharing experiences and advice with other caregivers. There are many popular message boards specifically for caregivers of those with memory loss such as Elder Care, Healing Well, and Alzheimer’s Association’s ALZConnected. These boards are especially helpful for caregivers who are seeking a quick answer to a memory care-related question and those who have difficulty leaving home to attend an in-person support group. Online forums can also be a great place to share the stories, thoughts, and emotions that arise in your day-to-day life as a caregiver.
If you’re looking for more information than forums can provide, many online resources can help. For example, The Alzheimer’s Association offers workshops, training sessions, and handbooks for families and caregivers of individuals living with memory loss.
Counseling
For some caregivers, individual or family counseling can be a worthwhile supplement or alternative to a support group. A counselor can assist in sorting out the complex emotions that often arise as a result of caring for a loved one with memory loss and can help you explore coping strategies tailored to your specific needs and situation. The Family Institute at Northwestern University has a strong reputation for supporting families through chronic illnesses and health challenges. Additionally, individuals can find therapists and mental health professionals near them through Psychology Today. Searchers can filter by a provider’s specialty and the insurance they accept, and can even find options for online sessions.
Community
Finding community in your neighborhood can be a great way to add fun to your day-to-day schedule and can help caregivers connect.
In partnership with the Edgewater Public Library and the Edgewater Village, CMSS hosts a monthly Memory Cafe at the Edgewater Public Library on the last Friday of each month at 11:00 AM. These monthly gatherings invite those living with dementia and their friends, family, and caregivers to come together for activity, connection, and support. Find upcoming dates for this and similar gatherings via the CPL events search tool.
Guides and Training
In Suburban Cook County, the local Area Agency on Aging, AgeOptions, offers free training and access to resources through Trualta. Caregivers can learn from online toolkits and trainings. Trualta also helps caregivers connect with one another and offers encouragement to caregivers struggling with burnout.
The Illinois Department on Aging’s Family and Caregivers Services page also provides a variety of resources, from legal assistance to training resources and more.
Also, this Caregiver’s Handbook from the National Institute on Aging provides information for caregivers, including how to plan for the future, when to consider long-term care facilities, and how to make time and space for self-care.
Additional Assistance
CMSS’ SASI Home Care program provides hourly home care to older adults across Chicagoland. Caregivers looking for support with caregiving can call us today at 847-864-7274 for a free, in-home consultation.
