Are You A Caregiver? Are you a daughter or son caring for your aging parent? Are you a husband or wife caring for a spouse? Are you a friend or neighbor caring for an aging friend? If you are, you are not alone. Family caregivers play a vital role in providing care for their older relatives, who wish to remain home for as long as possible. In fact, 80% of non-medical assistance is provided by families. These family caregivers across the country currently provide an estimated $306 billion in unpaid caregiving services.There are many challenges facing family caregivers; they often find themselves suddenly faced with the responsibility of providing care and aren't always prepared for the emotional and physical toll. Caregivers often feel stressed and alone, trying to balance their own needs with those of their loved ones. Over and over again, family caregivers report that they are in need of information about what resources are available to themselves and the care receiver. Help is AvailableLarimer County's Office on Aging Family Caregiver Support Program is here to assist family caregivers who are caring for an older adult at home. This program is where caregivers need to start, in order to find the answers they so desperately need. The Family Caregiver Support Program can: Connect family caregivers with appropriate community resources Provide a free caregiver consultation which offers support and planning Assist in finding helpful and appropriate respite care services Help promote the dignity and independence of the person receiving careRespite CareAre you a caregiver who needs some time off from your caregiving duties for a few hours or a few days?The Family Caregiver Support Program will provide a respite grant which can be used to purchase respite care in the home, in an adult day program, or an overnight stay in a community long term care facility.What Else Is Available?The Caregiver Support Coordinator can help you connect with the following services:Adaptive / Assistive EquipmentCaregiver Education and TrainingCounselingDementia ResourcesLegal / FinancialMinor home safety modificationsCaregiver Support GroupsAre you looking for other caregivers who share the same challenges, frustrations and rewards? We can refer you to community support groups where you will learn from people in similar situations and find our you're not alone.Asking for help is a sign of strength and an acknowledgement of ones abilities and limitations. If you are a caregiver, you have a resource at Larimer County Office on Aging, Call - Lynette McGowan, the Caregiver Support Coordinator at 498-6820, or email: lmcgowan@larimer.org