Managing Caregiver Responsibilities with Support

Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, as it can give you a chance to develop a deeper connection with a loved one. It can also be extremely stressful and physically exhausting. Many caregivers report not only emotional strain but financial worries as well.
 
Caregivers often forget to take care of one of the most important people in their world: themselves. But remember: you can only care for others if you take care of you. Find resources and inspiration to help you recharge.
 
Caregivers need to obtain tools and support in order to have a positive outlook, minimize stress, and thus avoid possible use of verbal or physical abuse.
 
Besides possibly hiring a caregiver from a senior home care company, here are some other ways to help the emotional strain and learn you are not alone.  (Senior home care companies offer caregivers for a few hours a week up to 24 hour a day.)
 
Kenneth Young Center, 1001 Rohlwing Road, Elk Grove Village 847-524-8800 Daxa Sanghvi at Ext. 168.  Some services are not income based.  They have a caregiver support group and Memory Café.  A Memory Café holds engaging activities like interactive games, live entertainment, and shared meals to encourage and support healthy relationships among people living with dementia and their caregivers. Call for information on all their services.
 
Arlington Heights Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights 847-253-5532.  The Memory Café, which is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 am, is for people with mild dementia and their caregivers.  Those interested must sign up. The caregiver support group, which is provided by Catholic Charities, is held on the third Wednesday of every month at 7 pm. The Caregivers for Dementia group meets on the second Monday of every month at 12:30 pm.
 
Hanover Township (240 S. Route 59, Bartlett 630-483-5600 extension social services) also hosts a Memory Café and a memory support group. 
 
Trinity Lutheran in Roselle has Adult Day Care Facilities. Please call Nancy at 630-894-3810 for more information.  Cherished Place (800 W. Oakton St., Arlington Heights 800-385-2527) also offers adult day care.