Caregiver supports

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Family caregivers with strong supports help those they care for stay in their homes longer and improve their quality of life. Family caregivers often do chores such as shopping, housekeeping, cooking and personal care.

However, caregivers face many challenges of their own. These can include:

• Physical and emotional stress
• Less time for their personal and family life
• Balancing work and caregiving
• Financial hardship

Family Caregiver Support Program

Oregon’s Family Caregiver Support Program helps caregivers support their loved ones and themselves. For example, services such as respite care and transportation can help.

Who’s eligible for the Family Caregiver Support Program?

The program helps family members and friends who care for:

• Adult family members or other individuals who need in-home care and are 60 years of age or more
• People of any age with Alzheimer’s disease and other related disorders

Programs also help grandparents or relative caregivers 55 years of age or older who care for:

• Children 18 years of age or younger
• Adult relatives 18 years of age or older with a disability who financially depend on an older adult

What to expect from your local Family Caregiver Support Program

Each Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has a family caregiver coordinator or options counselor. This person can talk with you about local services. Together, you will decide the best types of support and plan for your needs. Types of support available include:

• Information for caregivers on caregiving resources and services in the local community
• Help getting local services including home-delivered meals, transportation, legal assistance, etc.
• Caregiver counseling or support groups and training to help caregivers make decisions and solve problems
• Respite care that gives caregivers temporary relief. It can be a few hours in an adult’s home or at an adult day service program. An overnight in a residential setting is also an option.

Supplemental services that help caregivers give better care may also be available.
Examples include:

• Legal services
• Home modifications
• Transportation
• Emergency response systems
• Incontinence supplies

Note: All services may not be available in all areas.

Recognizing when a caregiver needs support

Caregivers tend to focus on the other person’s health and welfare and neglect their own well-being. Following are some signs that a caregiver needs support:

• Health issues such as feeling tired and fatigued, new or worsening health problems, chronic pain, change in appetite, weight changes
• Emotional issues such as irritability, depression, concentration problems, sense of helplessness or hopelessness
• Sleep problems such as not easily falling asleep or waking in the night

Empowering the caregiver

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools is a six-week class to help caregivers take care of themselves.
It includes tools to:

• Reduce stress
• Deal with difficult feelings
• Change negative self-talk
• Improve communication with family members and health service providers
• Make tough caregiving decisions

How do I find Powerful Tools for Caregiving class?

To find a Powerful Tools for Caregiving class, contact your local family caregiver coordinator or options counselor. Call 1-855-ORE-ADRC (1-855-673-2372).

If you’d like more information on Powerful Tools for Caregivers, go to www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org.

Family Caregiver Training

The Oregon Home Care Commission trains homecare workers, personal support workers and family caregivers. Contact the Oregon Home Care Commission for registration and costs.

Resources for caregivers, grandparents and other relatives as parents

For additional information or resources in your local area:

• Visit the Oregon Caregiver Program website
• Contact your local Family Caregiver Support Program through the ADRC of Oregon at 1-855-ORE-ADRC (1-855-673-2372)