For Caregivers

The role of a caregiver is both fulfilling and challenging especially because it can take on many different forms. Caregivers include family, friends, or paid helpers who provide care and assistance to people who need help taking care of themselves. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan offers various services to support caregivers on their caregiving journey.

Many resources exist to support older adults so that they can continue to live in the setting of their choice. It is important to honor the care recipient's wishes while also providing respite for caregivers to avoid burnout. Below are just a few of the options.

• Adult Day: Adult Day Centers care for older adults for extended hours of the day. At an adult day center, individuals can take part in activities, exercise, socialize with others, and receive personal care while their caregivers have respite.
• Dementia Friends Program: these one-hour informational sessions help organizations and individuals fully understand dementia and how to communicate effectively.
• Respite: This service provides companionship or assistance with activities of daily living for older adults when their primary caregiver is unavailable or looking for support.
• Transportation: transportation options for older adults exist to get them safely to medical appointments, grocery stores, and more, helping relieve some of the caregiver burden.
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: If the care provided is that of a grandparent looking after their grandchildren, then this program can provide intergenerational experiences and educational sessions.
• Home Delivered Meals: for older adults who may not be able to get out to shop for their own groceries, home-delivered meals can be a great option. They’ll receive regular meal drop-offs of well-rounded meals.

If you have questions on further support available in your county or would like to be set up with the resources mentioned above, call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (616) 456-5664 or (888) 456-5664.

Formerly Caregiver University

Our caregiver education program has a new name and a new format! Family Caregiver University is now Caregiver University, and classes will be offered virtually via Zoom to make them accessible to caregivers across our nine-county region. These sessions are open to all types of caregivers—family, friends, and professionals—and are led by community-based experts.

Bits of Wisdom Picked Up Along the Way

October 21st at 10:00 am via Zoom

Join us in an interactive session with speaker Dave Kampfschulte, where we will explore the lessons life and caregiving have taught us and how those experiences shape our wisdom. Following the program, attendees will be invited to participate in a brief guided discussion. See the flyer.

Register by calling (616) 456-5664 or fill out the form below!