Caregivers Workshop

Family Caregiver Support Program

Springwell’s Family Caregiver Support Program is a free service to support friends and family members who provide care to seniors and individuals with disabilities. The consultation with the Caregiver Care Advisor often includes an assessment of care-giving needs, suggestions about resource options, and follow-up assistance.
The Caregiver Advisor is also available for family meetings to help multiple caregivers identify and communicate their role in the care of a loved one.

The Caregiver Care Advisor and the caregiver work together to create a caregiver action plan to support the caregiver’s specific needs. Action plans can include the following services:

• training and practical suggestions on coping with changes due to Alzheimer’s disease;
• advice on adapting a home for safety and independence;
• planning for long term care at home, in alternative community settings, or in a facility;
• organizing information using the Caregiver’s Notebook;
• empowering the caregiver to advocate for their loved one;
• locating subsidy funds for caregiver self care;
• offering suggestions for reducing stress;
• referring the caregiver to a local support group. 

The Caregiver Care Advisor shares tools and resources to help with long term care planning. The Caregiver’s Notebook, designed by Springwell, is an aid for caregivers to have a central place to record and document the important aspects of care. It can also be a tool for communication between family members who are sharing the care of a loved one.  

The Caregiver Care Advisor may also suggest a book from Springwell’s Caregiver Library.  Subjects include family care-giving, long term care planning, financial issues, Alzheimer’s disease, family relationships, bereavement, and more.  Caregivers can stop in or call to borrow a book or request suggestions. 

The Caregiver Care Advisor, Emily Kuhl receives referrals through the Information and Referral Department at Springwell.  Referrals can be made by the caregiver, a friend of a caregiver, social workers, and more. 

Springwell is also committed to supporting those who provide care to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Our Care Advisors visit with caregivers to help them understand what is going on, to review available options and to learn how to best manage the social service and health care networks.