Caregiver Support Services Descriptions

Caregiver Counseling

Individual or family counseling to caregivers of older adults to support the caregiver with goal setting, problem-solving and planning related to their caregiving role. Counselors are trained to work with older adults and caregivers, and to address the complex physical, behavioral and emotional challenges of caregiving.

Caregiver Support Groups

This group service is led by a trained professional to facilitate discussions around common experiences and concerns in caregiving and to build a mutual support system for caregivers.

Caregiver Training

Education and training for caregivers to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide, manage and cope with the caregiving role. Skills might relate to health, nutrition, or money management. Building knowledge on caregiving might look like learning to provide personal care for an older adult, disease management, determining and mitigating risk factors, learning about caring for mental health, navigating long-term care systems, and how to discuss problems/concerns with health providers and family members. 

Resource Navigation for Caregivers

This service links caregivers to resources that are available within their community to support older adults. 

Public Information Sessions for Caregivers

This service provides information to caregivers about available statewide services or other topics related to caregiving. Such services can be conducted at in-person presentations to the public, a booth, or exhibit at a fair, conference or other public events. Additionally, public information may be given in a radio, TV, or website event. 

Caregiver Respite

This service provides caregivers with a brief period of relief or rest by offering temporary, substitute supports for the care receiver. Respite may occur in the home, in group settings, or virtually.

Caregiver Wellness Calls

A service that involves regular phone contact with caregivers experiencing isolation and/or burnout due to their caregiver roles. 

Caregiver Chore Services

Completing heavy household tasks for caregivers such as washing floors, windows, and walls; basic home maintenance; moving/removing heavy furniture and/or appliances; yard work; and sidewalk clearing.  

Caregiver Homemaker Services

Light housekeeping tasks performed for caregivers such as: preparing meals, grocery shopping or shopping for other personal items, managing finances, answering or making phone calls and other types of electronic communication, or doing light housework like laundry or washing dishes.   

Caregiver Technology

Assistance with technology that gives a caregiver of an older adult the ability to engage in supportive services, communicate and monitor the care receiver’s safety, to manage chronic conditions, and could even assist with ensuring the care receiver takes their medications safely and as prescribed by their provider. Some organizations may loan or provide technology equipment such as tablets or laptops.   

Caregiver Transportation Services

Services that provide or arrange for travel for caregivers. An escort or other assistance can be provided to an individual who has physical or cognitive difficulties. Transportation providers can provide assistance from the door to the vehicle, and from the vehicle to the front door of their destination. Caregivers or receivers who have mobility devices or other types of assistance to support their mobility are also included in this service. 

Caregiver Visiting

A service that involves regular visits with isolated caregivers of older adults to reduce a sense of loneliness and burnout.