Services for Caregivers
Older adults struggling with debilitating or chronic conditions may rely on friends and family to help manage care due to the costs associated with hiring private home care. Caregiving tasks often include socialization, managing medical appointments, helping with personal care and meals, and managing the household finances. These tasks may seem small initially but can increase in the level of commitments and stress as time goes on.
While family caregiving can be a very rewarding experience, It’s not unusual for caregivers to feel overwhelmed by the strain of giving care in addition to their other responsibilities to family and work. CMAP is here to help.
Social/Support Groups
SOCIAL/SUPPORT GROUPS
Even superheroes need help sometimes
CMAP facilitates caregiver support groups, offering three meetings a month.
Caregivers
The caregiver group is for anyone, of any age, who is providing care and support for an older adult.
Group meets virtually at 3:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.
No Fee
Facilitator: Billi Charron, MSW, CMAP Social Worker
Early-Stage Memory Loss Support Group
Support group for people with early-stage memory loss to be led by an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer with extensive experience as caregiving and a leader in the field of aging. The person with memory loss and their care partner are invited to attend. The group meets at 3:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month.
No Fee
Facilitator: Eileen Doremus, Alzheimer’s Association
Forget-Me-Not: Dementia Caregivers
This group is for anyone who has a loved one with dementia, cognitive decline, or other memory-related diagnoses. Participants can join from home or come into the office to be present with others who are on the same caregiving path. During the support group, the Memory Café is open for those with memory loss to engage in a meaningful activity. The group meets at 10:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month.
No Fee
Facilitator: Billi Charron, MSW, CMAP Social Worker
Special Connections: Parents of Adult Children with Unique Needs
This group is for parents who are caring for and/or planning for their adult children with unique physical, emotional, or developmental needs. This group meets at 1:00 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.
No Fee
Facilitators: Dr. John George and Billi Charron, MSW, CMAP Social Worker
CASE MANAGEMENT
Putting a care plan into place
CMAP Social Service team has extensive personal and professional experience related to caregiving, including a master’s level social worker on staff who is experienced in providing support and information about aging issue and caregiving.
Our social services department evaluates each family’s needs, resources, and options and helps them find the local services that they require, including:
- Information about local, state, and national resources
- Referral and linkage to local services
- Support groups for caregivers and activities for care-receiver
- Networking with other caregivers
- Consultations on the telephone, in the home, or office
- Educational programs and materials
- Web-based resources
For people caring for a loved one with memory loss we can offer:
- Our staff will assess your current needs and stress-level to help determine supports you could benefit from
- Information and referral to community partners who specialize in memory care, assisted living, assessments, and home care
- Assistance talking with your loved one about creating necessary care plans, advance directives, and relocating (if this applies)
- Facilitate conversations with you and other care partners, including family caregivers and home care providers
- Twice monthly support group for caregivers of people living with dementia and ongoing support as needed
