The Family Caregiver Support Program links caregivers of elder persons or elder grandparents/relatives raising grandchildren with supportive services.

We are the only agency providing this service in Barrington, Hanover, Palatine and Wheeling Townships under the federal Older Americans Act services.

Who is a Caregiver?

A caregiver can be anyone. You are a caregiver when a senior relies on you to provide unpaid help with day-to-day activities.

Many people who care for their loved ones don't define themselves as caregivers because they feel it is their duty to help.

Am I a Caregiver?

• I provide regular emotional or physical assistance to my spouse, parent, adult child, neighbor or friend.
• I help a senior pay bills.
• I shop or do errands for a senior.
• I drive a senior to the doctor or take him/her to a community center.
• I remind a senior when to take pills.
• I provide personal care.
• I regularly prepare meals or clean house for a senior.

Services available for caregivers

• Assessment by a Caregiver Specialist
• American Red Cross Family Caregiving Modules
• Caregiver support groups
• Financial services
• Making Sense of Memory Loss Series
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers training
• Resource information
• Respite care (services that give caregivers rest)
• Seminars / Trainings
• Upcoming Presentations

American Red Cross Family Caregiver Presentations

Our Family Caregiver Program is now offering these exciting American Red Cross Family Caregiving Modules:

• Module 1: Home Safety
• Module 2: General Caregiving Skills
• Module 3: Positioning and Helping Your Loved One Move
• Module 4: Assisting with Personal Care
• Module 5: Healthy Eating
• Module 6: Caring for the Caregiver
• Module 7: Legal and Financial Issues
• Module 8: Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia
• Module 9: Caring for a Loved One with HIV/AIDS

If any of these modules appeal to you or your agency's needs and you would like to be a host site for the class, please contact our Caregiver Specialist at 847-253-5500.

Each module takes approximately one hour to complete. You can mix and match the modules to suit your specific needs.

The fee per participant, per module, which covers the booklet that is provided, is only $5.00.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Series

A weekly 2 1/2 hour or 90 minute, six week educational program designed to help you - the caregiver- take care of yourself while taking care of a loved one.

You will learn how to:

• Better communicate your feelings
• Balance your life
• Improve self confidence
• Increase your ability to make tough decisions
• Learn to locate helpful resources
• Reduce stress

For more information about the program or the next scheduled class please contact Michaela Hoffman, MSW at 847-253-5500.

The fee which includes the Caregiver Helpbook and the six week program is $25.

Making Sense of Memory Loss Series

A five part educational program that meets for 2 1/2 hours each week, developed to help family members of someone in early stages of memory loss or with an early stage diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or Dementia.

The class includes:

• Overview of memory loss and related symptoms
• Communication strategies
• Making Decisions
• Planning for the futur
• Effective ways of coping and caring

For more information about the program or the next scheduled class please contact Michaela Hoffman, MSW at 847-253-5500.

The fee of $15 includes five, two and one half hour weekly sessions and the book "Alzheimer's Early Stages" by Daniel Kuhn, MSW.

Tips to Help Reduce Caregiver Stress:

• Educate yourself on how to care for your loved one and about their condition.
• Engage in legal and financial planning.
• Utilize outside services.
• Learn about community resources.

Get Help:

• Attend a Support Group
• Hire outside assistance
• Accept offers for help
• Attend educational courses such as Powerful Tools for caregivers, Making Sense of Memory Loss, and Red Cross Modules

Remember to take care of yourself.

Be realistic:

• Know your limits
• Know the limits of the person you are caring for

Accept changes as they occur.

Set aside time for yourself:

• Relax
• Exercise
• Take a nap
• Read a book
• Watch a movie
• Get together with friends

For more information, call our office at 847-253-5500.

You can also email our Caregiver Specialist at: mhoffman@catholiccharities.net

A Monthly Support Group For Caregivers

The Family Caregiver Support Program recognizes that unpaid, family caregivers provide the majority of caregiving in the United States. Caregivers help their spouses, parents, or other senior relatives with tasks such as: bathing, eating, dressing, personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning, transportation, and financial management. This is a time to share with others who face the same challenges with caregiving.

WHEN:

Third Wednesday of each month
*Canceled for the month of December*

WHERE:

Catholic Charities NW Senior Services
At the Arlington Heights Senior Center
1801 West Central Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

TIME:

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

For more information, please call Michaela Hoffman, MSW at Catholic Charities NW Senior Services (847)253-5500 ex. 333