Providing care to a loved one can be a life-changing experience, especially when the extent of their needs increase. Overtime, a family caregiver may feel overwhelmed with the additional responsibilities of caring for their loved one and providing long hours of care.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance,

“Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers spend 41 hours or more per week providing care.”

It is imperative that caregivers also make time for their individual needs and a supportive network to continue to provide care. Some may find it challenging to make time for self-care and researching supportive options in their community.

In Santa Clara County, there are a variety of supportive services available for family caregivers. Whether you are able to meet in-person or cannot; there are options available to your unique situation. Sourcewise offers the Family Caregiver Support Program to provide a period of respite services to family caregivers who need to make time for their needs. Respite services focus on providing support to the family caregiver to ensure that their loved one receives the assistance needed while their caregiver is not available.

There are educational opportunities for caregivers of loved ones with a specific diagnosis and offers the opportunity to connect with others with similar situations. Remote support groups, in-person support groups, respite care, information & assistance, and caregiver training are available for caregivers. There are many options that one can choose in order to fit the family caregiver’s social, physical, and mental health needs.

For more information about caregiver support groups and respite care options, contact a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.