Did you know that nearly 48 million adults in the United States are caregivers, opens a new window for an adult? If you are a caregiver or care partner, you are not alone. Here are some respite care resources and support groups in the community to help you in what can be a very difficult time.
Respite Programs & Resources
Respite care allows you to take time away from your care partner to rest, get chores done, socialize with friends or do other activities you may not be able to do while you are with your loved one.
You may be able to get financial assistance for respite care depending on your insurance, or through Medicare or Medicaid. If you need to find respite care you can search the Colorado Respite Coalition, opens a new window.
Here is a resource for Navigating Respite Care in Colorado, opens a new window created by Easterseals and the Colorado Respite Coalition that provides information about getting financial aid for respite care and getting compensated for the respite care you provide. If paying for respite care is not an option for you, there may be other ways to keep your loved one busy while you get a few moments to yourself.
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America Teal Room, opens a new window is a great resource if you are looking for daily live or recorded activities to entertain you and your loved one with dementia. From accessible exercise programs to musical programs, the Teal Room offers a variety of options.
Support Groups
The Alzheimer's Association, opens a new window is the biggest resource to find support groups for people recently diagnosed with dementia and their care partners. Its website has a feature that allows you to search for support groups, opens a new window no matter where you are in Colorado.
Some support groups are meeting in person again, but others are still virtual, so check the website ahead of time. The Alzheimer's Association also has an online platform where you can make a plan for navigating your loved one's illness, opens a new window that will give you resources to think about anything from finances to respite care.
Join the Well Spouse Association over phone or Zoom, opens a new window for support group meetings with people all over the country. There is a group specifically for young care partners, in addition to the general support group.
Anschutz Medical Campus offers two virtual support groups, opens a new window for care partners of those living with Alzheimer's or Posterior Cortical Atrophy.
Take a look at this set of articles from the National Institute On Aging, opens a new window to learn about more care partner health resources and to find answers to other questions you might have about caregiving.
Library Resources
Arapahoe Libraries has Caregiver Kits for checkout. Each kit includes hours of an entertaining television show on DVD, an activity you and your loved one can do together, a book to offer you emotional support, books for your loved one to enjoy, and a small jigsaw puzzle. Each kit checks out for six weeks and has unique books and activities. Place one on hold today!
There are so many resources available to help you on your care partner journey, but it can be challenging to locate what you need. Ask a Librarian if you have any questions and we will help you find an answer.
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