Assistance for Caregivers

The Council on Aging has long recognized the special challenges those caring for senior loved ones sometimes face. While it can be a time of joy and discovery, it can also be a time of questions, doubt, and isolation. The Council on Aging is here to help. The caregiver can be any age, while the care recipient must be a senior to participate in most programs.

Our resource specialists have a wealth of information about community resources to help both the caregiver and care recipient, including adaptive equipment, support and assistance, and in-home help. Our masters-prepared case manager, who specializes in working with caregiving issues, can provide education, consultation, advance planning, dispute resolution, arranging for care, and support through a series of in-home meetings. Our in-home safety program can provide home repairs and modifications that make it easier for the caregiver to continue to care for the care recipient. We have written information on how to handle caregiver stress, needs of seniors with dementia, special challenges faced by working caregivers and those in the sandwich generation, and more.

For More Information

Call Martha Miller at 440-205-8111, ext. 223 or email her at martham@lccoa.org.

Caregiving

We recognize that caring for a loved older adult can be rewarding, but also at times may be confusing, overwhelming, or exhausting. It is important for the person providing care to be supported so they can continue helping their family member or friend. Through the following programs, the Council on Aging strives to support unpaid caregivers of all ages caring for seniors.

Caregiver Counseling:
A licensed social worker provides support, education, resources, and a listening ear to help ease the stress and burden that most caregivers experience. This is done through a series of meetings, which can be done in your home and with or without the person you are caring for. This program also helps families who are struggling with decisions about how much care a senior needs and how to convince them to accept help. We can work with various family members to come to an agreement on how to proceed with the care of an older loved one.

Caregiver Home Safety Modifications:
We can assess the home environment of the care recipient and make suggestions about modifications that will help the caregiver continue to care for their loved ones. Examples include grab bars, railings, or portable ramps.

Information and Assistance:
Our screeners are ready to talk with you and to answer any questions you may have about caregiver programs and services. We have information on resources, tips on caregiving, and the caregiving experience in general.