Family Caregivers

The First Step to Take ~ The First Call to Make

We want to support caregivers through their journey. Whether it's your first call for information or a specific need - we want to help.

Family caregivers deal not only with the task of providing care to a loved one, but also with the impact of caregiving on their own lives and emotions. As a caregiver, you are taking on many additional responsibilities. You may be assuming new and unfamiliar responsibilities in addition to the responsibilities that you already have.

Being a caregiver is an occupation that few prepare for. The difference between a caregiver and "the other person" can be a phone call during the night informing you of a medical situation regarding a loved one such as a parent, sibling, or spouse. In that instant, you become a caregiver.

Though we all know that we are aging each day, we seldom are truly prepared for the changes that necessitate the need for assistance with the activities of daily living. Tasks such as personal hygiene, transportation, feeding, bathing, and medication dispensation.What a different color the world can be through the eyes of a caregiver!

Research studies show that family caregivers are at high risk for developing stress-related problems. Studies find high rates of depression high levels of anxiety, and increased vulnerability to health problems amoung caregivers. Caregivers frequently cite restriction of personal activities and social life as a problem. They often feel powerless, a sense that they have no control over events. Feeling powerless has a significant negative impact on a caregiver's physical and emotional health.

When caring for people suffering from chronic illnesses, family caregivers face similar concerns. Caregivers in focus groups stated repeatedly that one of their greatest challenges was maintaining their own health and well being while managing caregiving responsibilities.

Think about talking to someone who understands...Some "Words of Wisdom" for family caregivers;

Caregiver Comfort

Having your affairs in order is important for all caregivers, and should be a part of "Taking Care of Yourself" as you care for another. Being prepared make good sense for all!

To view a checklist of what documents you should have ready for yourself and your loved one go to:

Family Caregiver Checklist

Our office offers several curriculums for family caregivers. The popular "Powerful Tools For Caregiving", a six week course dealing with the challenges of caregiving, is offered on a regular basis at various locations and times. Please call our office to request information regarding the next scheduled class. More information regarding this program may be found at:

Powerful Tools For Caregiving

"Caregiving Relationships" is a program that deals with such issues as Mixed, Emotions, Loss and Grief, Effective Communication, Self-care, and Understanding Service Agencies. This curriculum is offered on an individual basis, as short workshops or presentations upon request. More information regarding this program may be found at:

Caregiving Relationships

"The Red Cross Family Caregiving Program" is a 9 Module educational series presented in one hour sessions covering various topics related to Family Caregiving. These sessions are offered individually and are scheduled periodically throughout the year. More information regarding this program may be found at:

American Red Cross Family Caregiving Program

"Elder Care and Work: Finding the Balance"provides insight and guidance for the employee who is - or soon will be - arranging care for an older parent or loved one who is sick or disabled. This is a 90 minute workshop which ideally would be presented in the work place for employees who are juggling the responsibilities of work and caregiving. A workbook is included in this educational session. This curriculum is offered upon request. More information regarding this program may be found at:

Elder Care and Work

"Caregiving Near Life's End" is a program that deals with End-of-life issues such as Palliative Care, Completion and Closure, Life Affairs, Relationships with the Community, Personal Relationships, Experience of Love of Self and Love of Others, Acceptance of the Finality of Life,The Meaning of Life, and Bereavement. This curriculum is offered as individual workshops or presentations upon request. These are group orientated sessions. More informaiton regarding this program may be found at:

Caregiving Near Life's End

Our office will assist you in obtaining respite services for your loved one, should you desire to take part in our caregiving education programs. Please call us to arrange for assistance.

Caregiver, as well as many other support groups are listed on this web-site:

Support Groups

Programs that are designed for the care-receiver and the caregiver include:

"Creative Expressions" is an interactive artistic program designed to encourage communication through physical and mental activities. These classes are offered at the Rahr West Art Museum once monthly. Call to obtain information or to register for the next scheduled class. This is a unique experience that you are able to share with the person you are caring for.

More information regarding this program may be found at:

Creative Expressions

"Living Well With Chronic Conditions" is a six-week course designed to help people to live the best possible life with a long-term chronic condition. It includes sections on nutrition, exercise, working with health-care professionals and the health care system, and new information on using the power of the mind to help manage symptoms. This curriculum will continue to be offered on a regular basis. Call our office to register for the next scheduled series.

More information regarding this program may be found at:

Living Well With Chronic Conditions


For a list of "In Home Services" available to assist caregivers please go to: In Home Services



In an effort to improve the lives devasted by dementia, the Copper Ridge Institute has created a new caregiver training program, "Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease". It has been designed expecially for families that are providing care to loved ones with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in the home setting. This program is available free online at:

Help for dementia caregivers

For additional information, support and resources for caregivers, please visit the Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program Website at:

CARING for the Caregiver

The Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Program Toll Free number is:

1-866-843-9810

No matter what your caregiving situation - - we can provide information, education and support.

I'd like more information about caregiver programs

Updated on 04-08-08