Family Caregivers

The Senior LinkAge Line^®— 800-333-2433 – TTY 711 — is your first call if you are a caregiver looking for information or assistance. Information specialists will refer you to resources in your community.

See upcoming events from the Metropolitan Caregivers Service Collaborative

Who is a caregiver?

Caregivers are family members, friends, neighbors and others who help older adults and people with disabilities with their daily needs. A caregiver may help prepare meals, pay bills, do personal care, manage medications and assist with—or make—major life decisions. Caregivers often see themselves as simply doing what a family member or friend does. Yet their help is invaluable to not just those they care for, but the whole community.

What services are available for family caregivers?

Many community services are available to help you cope with new responsibilities. These resources will help you examine options, create a plan for your caregiving tasks, and maintain balance in your life. Services include caregiver consultants/coaches, family meetings, caregiver support groups, caregiver education and adult respite care.

Caregiver consultants/coaches

Work one-on-one with a professional who understands the needs and issues of the person you’re caring for and is focused on supporting you. With your coach’s help, you can set and meet goals, solve problems and challenges, and find helpful resources.

Family meetings

Gathering spouses, children and others involved in caring for a family member may seem hard and risky. Consider using a caregiver consultant to facilitate a meeting. This expert will help you identify needs, share responsibilities, work through conflict, and develop a plan that will serve both the individual you care for, and all of the helpers.

Caregiver support groups

Support groups for caregivers can offer a variety of things, including education, community resources and emotional support and networking. Many support groups meet via video-conferencing or phone.

Caregiver education

Education is available to caregivers that can help you manage risks (such as stress and depression), understand family dynamics, and navigate health and long-term care systems. You’ll gain the knowledge needed to make decisions, solve problems and feel more confident with your caregiving role.

One caregiver education program, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, is available throughout Minnesota. This six-week program is for family caregivers and focuses on learning skills for the caregiving role, including self-care, reducing personal stress, dealing with difficult emotions, communicating in challenging situations, and mastering caregiving decisions. Download descriptions of the six weekly classes [PDF, 235.97 KB] and find a program offering in your area.

Adult respite care

Respite for a caregiver means receiving a period of temporary substitute care, supervision, and companionship for the person you are caring for. Respite care is offered by home and community-based providers and can range from a couple of hours to a short-term stay by the care receiver in a residential setting. You’ll get a mental and physical break from caregiving, and the person you care for will gain a socializing opportunity. To find caregiver services in your area, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433.

Unique caregiving experiences

Long-distance caregiving

Caring from a distance has distinct challenges, including limited knowledge about available resources and services. Outside Minnesota, try the Eldercare Locator, a national toll-free directory assistance program provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging to help elders and their families find local services. Call 800-677-1116.

Disability caregiving

Caring for someone with a developmental disability is lifelong, and often done by older parents or siblings. As both the parent and care receiver age, the care and service needs can change. Find information by calling the Disability Linkage Line at 866-333-2466 or online at MinnesotaHelp.info.

Veteran caregiving

Visit the Veteran’s Administration caregiver services, or call 888-LinkVet (546-5838).

Caregiving for diverse elders

Diverse Elders Coalition is a national coalition of organizations that advocate for policies and programs that improve aging for racially and ethnically diverse people. They provide excellent training and resources to help organizations better serve caregivers for these populations. If you are a family caregiver for a diverse elder you will also find helpful resources on the Diverse Elders Coalition website.