Family Caregiver

Family Caregiver Support Program

Caring for a family member can be rewarding, but caregivers may also need reliable information, training, respite, and support. The Area Agency on Aging’s Family Caregiver Support Program provides community-based services to help family caregivers continue in their caregiving roles while also attending to their own health and well-being.

A family caregiver is an adult age 18 or older who provides unpaid care to an older adult at home or in the community. The caregiver may be related or unrelated to the person receiving care.

The Family Caregiver Program Specialist works with Care Coordinators and Benefits Counselors to provide caregiver education, training, support, information about community resources, and access to respite and supplemental services.

Family Caregiver Support Services

Depending on eligibility, assessed needs, available funding, and available resources, Family Caregiver Support Services may include:

  • Public education about available caregiver services and resources

  • Information and referral

  • Caregiver assessment and support coordination

  • Individual caregiver counseling

  • Caregiver support groups

  • Caregiver education and training

  • Respite services

  • Limited supplemental services

Information and Assistance

The program helps caregivers obtain accurate and relevant information about available services, benefits, and community resources. Staff may also assist caregivers with identifying appropriate resources and connecting with service providers.

Caregiver Counseling

Caregiver counseling is intended to support a caregiver’s emotional well-being and assist with decision-making and problem-solving. Counseling may be provided individually or in a group setting by a qualified professional.

Caregiver counseling is different from a support group or caregiver training. Availability is based on program resources and the caregiver’s assessed needs.

Caregiver Support Groups

Caregiver support groups provide a facilitated setting in which caregivers can discuss common experiences and concerns and develop a mutual support system. Groups may be offered in person, by telephone, or online, depending on program availability.

Support groups are distinct from caregiver education groups, which are primarily intended to provide instruction or information about a particular caregiving topic.

Caregiver Education and Training

Caregiver training provides instruction intended to improve a family caregiver’s knowledge and performance of skills related to caregiving roles and responsibilities.

Training topics may include:

  • Caregiver roles and responsibilities

  • Personal care

  • Health and nutrition

  • Communication with health care providers and family members

  • Assisting someone who uses adaptive aids

  • Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia

  • Community services and resources

Training may be offered individually or in a group setting and may be conducted in person or online, depending on program availability.

Respite for Family Caregivers

Respite provides temporary relief from caregiving duties and responsibilities. It allows a caregiver time to rest, attend appointments, complete errands, or address other personal needs.

Depending on eligibility and availability, respite may be provided in the home or in another approved setting. In-home respite is provided on a short-term, temporary basis while the primary caregiver is unavailable or needs relief.

In addition to supervision, in-home respite may include services such as meal preparation, housekeeping, assistance with personal care, and social or recreational activities when authorized and appropriate.

Respite services are based on an assessment, program eligibility, available funding, and an approved service authorization. Contact the Family Caregiver Specialist to learn about current respite options.

Limited Supplemental Services

Limited supplemental services may complement the care already being provided by a family caregiver. Depending on eligibility, assessed needs, available funding, and current program resources, services may include:

  • Adult day services

  • Home-delivered meals

  • Health maintenance

  • Homemaker or personal assistance

  • In-home or out-of-home respite

  • Minor residential repair

  • Transportation

Completion of an assessment does not guarantee that a particular service will be authorized or available.

Support for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children

The Family Caregiver Support Program recognizes the important role of grandparents and other relatives who are raising children. Information, education, referrals, and other support may be available to qualifying relative caregivers.

Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children Education Group

An education group meets to provide information and support for grandparents and other relatives raising children. Children are encouraged to attend and participate in available activities.

For current meeting dates, locations, and activities, please refer to the Monthly Caregivers Newsletter and its calendar of events.

Family Caregiver Alzheimer’s Education Groups

Family Caregiver Alzheimer’s Education Groups provide information and support for people caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Groups may meet at different locations throughout the Coastal Bend.

For current meeting dates and locations, please refer to the Monthly Caregivers Newsletter and its calendar of events.

Community Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers

Caregiving can be stressful. The Community Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers teaches practical skills intended to help caregivers manage everyday stress.

Participants learn about:

  • Stress-management techniques

  • Relaxation strategies

  • Coping strategies

  • Skills that may help reduce daily stress

The program for family caregivers of a person living with dementia consists of 90-minute weekly sessions for nine weeks, with groups of up to eight participants. Program materials are provided, and sessions are conducted in a confidential and supportive group environment by trained facilitators.

Contact the Family Caregiver Specialist for information about upcoming sessions and registration.

Virtual Dementia Tour

The Virtual Dementia Tour is an individual educational experience designed to increase awareness of some of the physical and cognitive challenges that may be associated with dementia.

The experience is intended to help participants better understand and respond to the needs of people living with dementia. Sessions may be held at the Area Agency on Aging office and may also be offered to community organizations and businesses seeking dementia education.

Contact the Family Caregiver Specialist for information about availability and upcoming sessions.

Care Provider Training

Care Provider Training provides instruction in basic skills that can help promote quality care in the home.

Training topics may include:

  • Roles and responsibilities of a care provider

  • Assisting with personal care

  • Helping someone who uses adaptive aids

  • Caring for someone with early- to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease

  • Caring for someone with mid- to late-stage Alzheimer’s disease

  • Available community resources

Training may include the Virtual Dementia Tour. Seating may be limited, and advance registration may be required. Contact the Family Caregiver Specialist for the current schedule, training duration, and registration information.

Caregiver Resources

The following organizations provide information about caregiving, aging, dementia, long-term care, and community services:

External links are provided for informational purposes. The Area Agency on Aging does not control or endorse all content available through external websites.

Stay Informed

Join the caregiver mailing list to receive information about education groups, training opportunities, caregiver events, and other Family Caregiver Support Program activities.

Contact the Family Caregiver Support Program

Contact the Family Caregiver Specialist for information about caregiver support, respite, training, education groups, eligibility, or current program availability.

Christina Edwardson
Family Caregiver Specialist
Phone: (361) 232-5150
Email: christinae@coastalbendcog.org

Area Agency on Aging of the Coastal Bend
2910 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78408
Main Phone: (361) 883-3935