Caring for a loved one can often leave family members feeling overwhelmed, isolated or unprepared. For many people, caregiving begins gradually without the realization that their role has shifted. CareWell Services offers local family caregivers information and resources, educational workshops, and other support through its Caregiver Resource Center.
Most caregiving journeys start with everyday tasks before transitioning into full-on care management. This may start with routine tasks before expanding into comprehensive care as health conditions evolve over time.This gradual transition can make it difficult for informal caregivers to acknowledge their caregiving role.
“At first I did not think of myself as a caregiver because it was just normal standard things…helping with the meds, basic stuff, going to appointments with her,” said Cindy, a community member who provides care for her partner. “So it didn’t seem like it was a caregiver position at first until one day… she’d mentioned [that] I’m a caregiver. And at that moment it occurred to me, my gosh, I really am a caregiver.”
This was also true for Richard, another community member who provides care for his wife. “I did not consider myself a caregiver at first,” he said. “Caregivers were more people that were taking care of patients that were wheelchair bound or bed bound or that type of thing, rather than a mental state.”
After realizing their caregiving roles, both were connected with CareWell Services where they found the support they needed.
“CareWell is a fantastic place giving caregivers the services they need,” Richard said. “I find myself with less stress knowing that I have people behind me that I can rely on, that I can call.”
In addition to reducing daily stress, programs like Powerful Tools for Caregivers teach practical communication strategies and coping techniques that give caregivers renewed strength. Cindy went through Powerful Tools for Caregivers twice, finding it helpful as her role changed and she became increasingly overwhelmed.
“When I first started [Powerful Tools for Caregivers]…I would be screaming, ‘I just can’t take this anymore.’ I was at that point, I really was,” said Cindy. “And when I took that course, I just can’t describe how much it helped. There were so many tools offered to us and how to think and how to communicate, which is a huge thing, especially when somebody’s got an occasional limited capacity for communication.”
Additional resources such as the Caregiver Support and Grief Support groups provide caregivers an opportunity to connect with other caregivers, share their journey, and prioritize time for themselves.
“Me caring for myself in that way, it helps me care for her,” Cindy added. “Definitely everybody should take advantage, if you can, of that resource. It’s really valuable.”
The Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) is open Monday through Friday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, offering printed educational materials, computer access, and knowledgeable staff ready to assist with respite care coordination, dementia support, and home-based services.
If you or someone you know is providing care for a loved one and looking for support, guidance, or educational workshops, contact CareWell Services Southwest today at (269) 966-2450 or stop by the Caregiver Resource Center at 424 Riverside Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Free online resources and support are available anytime by visiting our website.